John Pingree

Pingree was an inspiring leader who put the public good above political expediency. Throughout his long tenure with UTA, he transformed the agency into an award-winning midsized transit system.

On April 1, 2017 he was confirmed as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When not working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and sailing.

Early Life and Education

John Pingree, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, earned degrees in English and political science from the University of Utah. Later, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School.

He served as an Area Seventy, leading the Hispanic Initiative which sought to both convert Spanish speakers and assist Latinos of any religious affiliation with legal issues caused by language barriers or discrimination.

Entrepreneur and politician, he held four terms as mayor of Detroit (1889-1897) and two as governor of Michigan (1897-1901). As an advocate for municipal ownership and public regulation of utilities and street railways, he helped carry Michigan for William McKinley during the 1896 presidential election. Furthermore, he served as delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago.

Professional Career

From 1977 to 1997, Pingree served as general manager of UTA and was instrumental in creating the current bus system along the Wasatch Front. Additionally, he oversaw the introduction of TRAX light rail and laid the foundation for FrontRunner.

Pingree made significant strides as mayor in addressing social reform issues. He planned his initiatives within the limits of municipal power, championed expanded governing rights for local governments, and sought structural changes designed to boost city government efficiency.

Pingree learned from a citywide streetcar strike of 1885 that labor disputes could be more productive when resolved through cooperation rather than confrontation. To this end, in 1891 he sought to de-escalate labor-management tensions by encouraging the city’s streetcar companies to accept arbitration as a method for resolution.

Achievements and Honors

John Pingree excelled as an athlete at Governor Dummer Academy, earning four and five varsity letters in hockey and baseball respectively. Additionally, he earned three varsity letters at Lake Forest College.

He was an accomplished businessman, having sold Hatteras Yachts and then running Flying Horse Farm in Gloucester, MA. He organized and hosted numerous three-day events such as the first ever three-day horse trials in America.

In addition to his academic successes, he was renowned for his exemplary character and infectious good humor. A true leader and mentor to many of his students, he often led by example.

Personal Life

John Pingree was an American businessman who served as General Manager of the Utah Transit Authority for two decades. Tragically, he passed away this week due to cancer.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as bishop, stake president and Area Seventy. Additionally, he served as a full-time missionary in Argentina.

Elder Pingree earned both a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Utah in 1990 and a bachelor of science in political science the following year, 1991. Subsequently, he obtained his master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School.

He has been a leader in biotechnology, health care and medical humanitarian organizations. Together with his wife Anne he is the proud parent of five children and boasts 21 grandchildren.

Net Worth

John Pingree’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $18 million. He has amassed this wealth through various investments and other sources.

His wealth primarily consists of a stock portfolio and several real estate assets. Additionally, he owns shares in a family-run cattle ranching business.

He has invested in a variety of businesses, such as insurance and retail outlets.

He is one of the wealthiest members of Congress. Much of his fortune has been generated through self-employment and includes assets acquired through his work in government service.