John Rappole

Originally trained as a studio sound engineer, John began his audiovisual career in 1999 as the Lead Audio Engineer at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. During his 9 years at the Reagan Building John handled all aspects of live sound support for hundreds of events that included three US presidents, countless heads of state, celebrities, artists, Broadway acts, televised broadcasts and live bands covering styles from Classical and Jazz to Hard Rock and Hip Hop. In addition to handling all live audio requirements John also supported lighting and projection setups, managed union crews and worked closely with production managers and event coordinators to ensure flawless events from load in to load out.

During his years at the Reagan Building John forged an interest in integrated audiovisual system design and in 2008 he accepted a job working for the audiovisual integration firm Avitecture. As a Systems Service Technician at Avitecture John was thrust head-on into the most demanding trouble-shooting situations audiovisual integration could offer. With clients ranging from the Department of Homeland Security, the Pentagon, TSA, State Department and US Customs and Border Patrol, the mission critical audiovisual systems installed and serviced by Avitecture at these locations demanded immediate resolution in complicated and often classified situations. At this time HHMI was also a client of Avitecture and John was assigned as a primary technician for maintenance of the installed AV systems at Janelia as well as supporting the many conferences held at Janelia throughout the year.

In 2012 John joined HHMI full-time as a Senior Audiovisual Specialist. In 2015 John played a key role in developing the newly formed Unified Communications and Audiovisual department and was promoted to UCAV Engineer. His current responsibilities include developing AV strategy for the research campus, assisting with the design, installation and management of all AV related projects, providing meeting and conference support, administrating digital signage technology institute-wide, client training, supply purchasing, maintenance of all AV systems and assisting with any AV requests that may arise.

John lives with his wife and two daughters (another on the way!) in Front Royal, Virginia. Outside of HHMI he is is an accomplished music composer and nationally recognized remix artist, loves running and biking, exploring wineries and eating good food.