Colorado ORBIE Leadership Award recipient: For Johns Manville CIO John Shellenberger, leadership begins with learning 

When John Shellenberger reflects on his favorite career moments, he doesn’t point to smooth implementations or easy wins. 

“My favorites have always been the ones that were most challenging,” said Shellenberger, vice president and chief information officer at Johns Manville and the recipient of the 2026 Colorado ORBIE Leadership Award. “Adapting to what's going on has been the most exciting, instead of just finishing the day-to-day tasks.” 

That mindset has shaped a 34-year career with the Denver-based manufacturer, including the past 18 years as CIO. Shellenberger has helped guide the company through major technology transformations while maintaining a steadfast focus on business value, people and leadership. 

Transforming a global business 

One of Shellenberger’s proudest accomplishments has been helping modernize Johns Manville’s technology landscape.  

The global organization, which has 42 sites in five countries, employs about 7,500 people. This modernization effort included consolidating about 50 systems into common platforms, creating greater consistency and visibility across the company. 

“The company is now on the same set of platforms across its global operations,” he said. 

Among the most significant initiatives were a large enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation and a global data analytics platform that established a foundation for future innovation. 

“We really tried to drive the initiative internally to preserve the business value,” Shellenberger said. 

His philosophy throughout the process has remained consistent. 

“You have to have your heart and soul in what the business is trying to accomplish, not what the technology will do,” he said. “My philosophy has always been business first.” 

Building teams that deliver 

That business-first approach extends to leadership and talent development. 

“You have to get the right people with the right attitude,” Shellenberger said.

He looks for team members who are “curious and courageous to make decisions” and places emphasis on employees who understand business processes, not just technology. 

Shellenberger’s manufacturing background also has reinforced the importance of adaptability. 

“It’s not going to be perfect,” he said. “We learn and adapt under changing conditions.” 

This perspective is helping shape Johns Manville’s approach to artificial intelligence. While the company has historically been deliberate in adopting emerging technologies, Shellenberger sees opportunity ahead. 

“AI is creating an opportunity to not only automate work, but to also rethink how work gets done,” he said. 

The goal, however, is not workforce reduction. 

“Our strategy isn’t to replace folks,” he said. “It’s to help folks work more effectively and serve our customers better.” 

An “obligation to give back” 

Outside the office, Shellenberger devotes time to community organizations and leadership development initiatives. 

He serves on the board of Warren Village, which provides transitional housing and support services for single parents, as well as the American Heart Association board in Denver. He also serves on the advisory board for the dean of the University of Denver’s business school and is vice chair of Colorado’s Inspire Leadership Network chapter. 

A common thread connects each role. 

“I’m dedicated to developing future technology leaders who bring that same passion for both business and technology,” he said. 

That commitment to service is a lesson he hopes to share during his Colorado ORBIE Awards keynote address. 

“I'm going to focus on the value of failing and learning and trying,” he said. “Don't be afraid. You learn more from what you try than from what you don't do.” 

He also plans to emphasize what he views as a fundamental responsibility of leadership. 

“Leaders, we have an obligation to give back,” he said. 

Whether through mentorship, community involvement or helping organizations fulfill their missions, Shellenberger believes leadership extends beyond corporate results. 

“You want to have an organization in which people say, ‘Great service, great products, and great engagement,’” he said. “I firmly believe that's what sustains a business moving forward.”