John has 13 years of experience conducting stock assessments. He has provided management advice to Regional Councils and to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). He serves in a number of leadership positions as chair of the ICCAT Western Bluefin Tuna Committee. Dr. Walter is also co-chair of the NOAA's National Management Strategy Evaluation working group. He has an extensive publication and collaboration record with numerous colleagues throughout the region and internationally.

His Ph.D. and M.S. in marine science was earned from the College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Randolph Macon College. 

John is originally from Maryland and spent much of his childhood on the shores of Chesapeake Bay. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, fishing and hunting, and spending time outdoors with his family.