A Westfield native, John graduated from Westfield High School and earned a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of South Florida and a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. John established an impressive record of leadership working in the Hampden County Superior Court and the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office, and the Westfield Commission for Citizens with Disabilities. Velis also held internships at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office and the White House.