John Carlton brings a unique blend of archaeological expertise and strategic business development to the Maya Heritage Center. Beyond his deep field experience, John plays an integral role in our outsourced CRM initiatives, where his ability to connect with relevant prospects, generate opportunities, and close partnerships is critical. He is a core member of our U.S.-based sales team, focusing on business development, channel development, market assessment and strategy, pricing, and presenting valuable partners.
John ensures that our growth strategies are rooted in a profound respect for cultural heritage, creating meaningful and impactful experiences for our customers and partners. His strategic mindset and extensive experience make him a vital asset as the organization expands its reach and impact.
In addition to his development work, John is a specialist in iconography and archaeoastronomy—the study of how ancient cultures understood celestial phenomena and incorporated them into their worldviews. His academic achievements include graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology from Millsaps College and completing graduate studies in Anthropology at the University of Alabama. His master’s thesis, “The Origins of Minoan Bull-Leaping Iconography,” has been widely cited and revised in scholarly circles.
John has worked at four sites in the northern Maya lowlands and has contributed to the management of projects on pre-Columbian cultures in Mississippi. His dual focus on research and strategy strengthens the Maya Heritage Center’s ability to bridge scholarship with innovative approaches to sustainable growth.