Biography: John DiPalma
John DiPalma brings a rare blend of leadership, negotiation expertise, and genuine client care to the real estate world. Originally from Millville, New Jersey, John has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2012 and is proudly licensed in both Oregon and Washington. He focuses his real estate practice from Portland, Oregon through the Columbia River Gorge, where he lives with his family in Stevenson, Washington.
John began his real estate career with Coldwell Banker Bain, where he built a strong foundation in client service and market knowledge. He is now a broker with John L. Scott Real Estate, serving clients throughout Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Before transitioning into real estate in 2017, John built a successful career in healthcare operations, managing teams ranging from 10 to more than 1,300 employees for major organizations including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. The high?stakes decision?making, strategic leadership, and complex negotiations he mastered in that industry now serve as the backbone of his real estate approach. Clients quickly recognize that he is not a typical broker — he brings executive?level discipline and clarity to every transaction.
John’s mission is simple: help buyers and sellers navigate one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives with confidence, transparency, and skill. Whether guiding first?time buyers, advising seasoned investors, or helping families transition into their next chapter, he is committed to making the process smooth, informed, and empowering.
Outside of real estate, John is an athlete for life. He takes his health seriously, staying active in the gym, on the treadmill, and out on the countless trails that make the Pacific Northwest so iconic. From steep Gorge climbs to forested river paths, he embraces the region’s outdoor lifestyle as part of his commitment to staying strong, balanced, and energized. He is also a proud father of two daughters and has been married to his wife, Kari, for 20 years — a partnership that grounds and motivates him every day.
A graduate of Millville High School, John made history as the school’s first athlete to letter all four years in both wrestling and soccer. His dedication to athletics continued into college, where he played soccer for four years while earning his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This foundation of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance continues to shape his approach to real estate today.