> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://capitolcommunicator.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Up Close and Personal: Getting to Know John Siddall, chairman and founder of Richmond-based Siddall Communications
- URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/up-close-and-personal-getting-to-know-john-siddall/
- Published: 2023-01-18T21:52:31.000Z
- Updated: 2023-01-28T19:57:29.000Z
- Author: Capitol Communicator
- Tags: Richmond News, Up Close and Personal, #wp-top-right-sponsored, #Import 2026-10-08 18:53

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/50/16/5016dd29-aeff-4565-a68b-cdbb78bc58e6/content/images/2026/10/sidall-edit.jpg)

**Capitol Communicator is running “Up Close and Personal” profiles of communicators in the mid-Atlantic.** In this profile we feature **John Siddall.** Hair, make up and wardrobe by Heidi Winton-Stahle. Photography for the series is by award-winning [**Cade Martin.**](https://cademartin.com/?ref=capitolcommunicator.com)

**John, please provide us a short bio.**

I served as the chairman and founder of Richmond-based Siddall Communications since 1975\. I started as a copywriter in New York, but have become more of a marketing and communications consultant. Clients I most admired include the new town of Reston, Virginia, Freddie Mac and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. 

Today, I am working on behalf of the state of Virginia to help AMTRAK Virginia rebound from the fallout of the pandemic and rebuild ridership throughout Virginia. I am proud that in the last quarter of 2022 AMTRAK has reported record ridership. 

I attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1962 to 1967\. And have been fortunate to have been recognized for creative work in numerous advertising competitions. 

I was formerly the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Henricus Historical Foundation and served on the Marketing Committee for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

**What are the things you are most proud of?**

My long lasting relationships with the people I have worked with. Many of these relationships span four decades. 

**Who were your personal role models?**

My personal role models were people I encountered growing up and in my early career. They are not well-known people but critically important to my personal development

**Did your role models offer professional advice that helped you in your career?**

It sounds corny, but the most powerful advice I got was to make sure I always tried to be honest in what I said and follow through on what I promised I would do. 

**What professional advice do you have for others?**

Be true to yourself. The best work comes from people who express what’s best within them. 

**What’s on your Spotify and Pandora playlists?**

I’m a big fan of John Prine, Neil Young and Willie Nelson

**What’s your favorite restaurant?**

My favorite is Heritage in Richmond.

**Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?**

I feel that I have been very lucky in my life. I love the work. And I love almost all the people I have worked with.