John McKinley
Class of 1979
As a student at Big Piney High School, John McKinley displayed his exceptional leadership
qualities in all aspects of student life. In his senior year, McKinley served as the Senior Class
President and was also elected a President of the Student Body of Big Piney High. Athletically as
a Puncher, John led the state by winning the slalom and giant slalom at the 1979 Wyoming
State High School Ski meet. John was also active in football and started on the highly talented
1977 Wyoming State Championship team.
Upon his graduation in 1979, John enrolled at the University of Wyoming. While there, John
earned a variety of degrees, all with honors, including a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983: his
M.B.A. in finance in 1984: and his Juris Doctor degree in 1989. With the completion of his law
degree, McKinley has attained membership in the Order of the Coif, The American Inn of Court
and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.
Currently John McKinley is of counsel with the law firm of Davis and Cannon, LLP. and had
served as managing partner for twelve years. John currently concentrates his practice in oil and
gas law: mineral resource law: and real property law. He represents Wyoming landowners,
including Sublette County, in all aspects from leasing agreements to conservation easements to
business advice. John has represented Sublette County since 1995 regarding various tax and
mineral related issues. This includes numerous State Board of Equalization appeals and several
district and Wyoming Supreme Court cases. John also represents the Wyoming Stock Growers
Land Trust regarding all aspects of conservation easements throughout Wyoming, including
several in Sublette County. This work includes oil & gas leases, surface agreements, pipeline
easements and royalty underpayments lawsuits, and Wyoming Royalty Payment Act matters.
In 2015, then Wyoming Governor Mead appointed John McKinley to the University of Wyoming
Board of Trustees. Current Governor Gordon reappointed John and he has now served as Vice-
Chairperson and as Treasurer during this current tenure.
McKinley is a founding father of a non-profit Wyoming Housing Partnership Inc. with a mission
to create and maintain affordable housing and support ownership for Wyoming’s workforce.
Lastly, John is a longtime board member of the Cowboy Joe Club supporting UW athletic
programs.
John and his wife, Kathleen and their three children support various nonprofit organizations
whose works strengthens Wyoming families. These include Climb Wyoming, Boys & Girls Club
of Cheyenne, Wyoming’s Children Society, and the Wyoming Hunger Initiative.
John is proud to be from Sublette County and most who know him also know his roots – Always
a Puncher!!