Meet BMO’s John McNain, a leader in the 2SLGBTQ+ community 

As a 2SLGBTQ+ community leader for more than 20 years, John McNain, COO, North American Personal & Business Banking at BMO knows from experience just how important it is to have support. As a young adult growing up on a farm and during university, John felt alone with his identity – but over time, he met many people who helped him on his journey to self-acceptance. 

“I know how fortunate I am to have found support when I struggled with being my true self as a young adult. I also know not everyone has that – and I welcome the opportunity to drive change for the better and extend a helping hand to others.” 

– John McNain
Chief Operating Officer, North American Personal & Business Banking at BMO

John currently serves as a director of Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organization that helps individuals persecuted due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or self-expression to find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance. John also brought BMO and Rainbow Railroad together, resulting in the BMO Rainbow Deposit Initiative, an impactful social media campaign focused on creating awareness that has raised more than $100,000 in the past two years. 

John is one of BMO’s most senior out members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Within BMO and across the community, he’s an active role model working to ensure equitable, visible and vocal representation. He has been featured in BMO 2SLGBTQ+ recruiting, allyship and Pride videos; hosts career sessions to discuss his journey as an out leader; advocates for the importance of out allies; and provides mentorship to 2SLGBTQ+ employees – including those looking for guidance to start a family. He has also supported BMO’s Walk So Kids Can Talk campaign to bring awareness to mental health for LGBTQ youth and young people in general, helping raise funds for Kids Help Phone.  

For the second year in a row, John has been named to INvolve’s global 2023 Outstanding 100 Executive Role Model List, which highlights the achievements of 2SLGBTQ+ people and their allies in the business community. The list, prepared by diversity and inclusion membership organization INvolve, celebrates role models who are out and proud at work, drive positive change in their workplaces and support 2SLGBTQ+ colleagues.  

“John McNain is dedicated to driving inclusion across BMO and 2SLGBTQ+ communities around the world. He is a champion for equity and inclusion and sets a bold example of what it means to grow the good, in business and life.”  

– Ernie Johannson
Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking

Find out more about diversity and inclusion at BMO.