John Fant

John Fant is the Vice President of Business Development for Peraton, an aerospace and defense firm. In this capacity, he oversees all space growth initiatives for Peraton, including major program awards in civil space expansion as well as space protection and resiliency initiatives.

He serves as an advisor to the CEO on space business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Through his leadership, he has helped shape industry-leading space growth with core customers in support of their most sensitive missions.

Early Life and Education

John Fant was born in DeQueen, Arkansas on February 24, 1934 to Robert and Maylor Fant.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Louisiana College in 1960, followed by a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Fant joined Palm Beach Atlantic University as provost and chief academic officer in 2014, ushering the campus into a renewed dedication to Christ-first mission and Christian excellence.

Before joining PBA, Fant had spent two decades teaching and serving in leadership roles at three Southern Baptist-affiliated universities. He served as executive vice president for academic administration at Union University and dean of faculty at Mississippi College and William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss. Much of Fant’s professional and civic contributions were dedicated to furthering social justice causes.

Professional Career

John Fant is a senior executive with Lockheed Martin Space. In his role as vice president of business development for the company’s space and intelligence sector, he oversees advanced space programs, technology investments and business growth to find solutions to national security challenges.

Fant, a veteran of the federal government, served in various command and staff roles. Additionally, he was a two-time combat veteran, having deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.

As a leader, he helped set the strategic direction for Peraton’s Mission Solutions line of business, an aerospace and intelligence firm. He expanded their space capabilities to serve government customers and delivered industry-leading new business awards in 2021.

Achievements and Honors

John Fant was an accomplished business executive and veteran of the military. Recently, he joined Noblis NSP as director of special intelligence programs and cyber solutions.

Noblis NSP President Ellen McCarthy states that He will help the company expand its presence in defense, intelligence and law enforcement sectors. With decades of strategic development expertise under his belt, he will be instrumental in building Noblis’ special intelligence programs and cyber solutions divisions, she said.

He served as director of security for Hutcheson Medical Center and North Park Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee; he is also a former city judge and mayor in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia; father to three children, philanthropist, and leader within his community.

Personal Life

Fant’s life was dedicated to serving the Lord. A member of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, he taught a men’s Bible class there as well.

He served in the United States Army as a field artillery officer, serving four combat tours – two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq.

After an impressive military career, Fant returned home to his family farm. He assisted other veterans with getting settled on their land and became a prominent leader within the local veteran’s community.

Fant was elected mayor of Shreveport in 1946 and served five nonconsecutive terms. During the turbulent 1960s, his work as mayor was credited with maintaining a sense of calm in the city through public works projects and programs to uplift black citizens.

Net Worth

John Fant is an American football offensive tackle for the New York Jets, with an estimated net worth of $135 million.

As of 2019, he is the third highest paid NFL player.

He’s expected to challenge Mekhi Becton for the starting left tackle position in 2022, making for an exciting battle between two highly-touted athletes.

Fant had an impressive debut year with the Seahawks, recording 50 receptions for 486 yards and four touchdowns in his first year. He shared snaps with Will Dissly for 15 games before Colby Parkinson emerged as the clear-cut top tight end.