Chief Operating Officer
The Honorable Von Johnson (MSW, EMPP) has a passion for service and a vision for the betterment of others. He has 15+ years of experience in public relations, government/community relations, political campaigns, fundraising, marketing, and communications. Utilizing his social work foundation, he fosters meaningful relationships that result in upward mobility.
Von has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations. Politically, he has raised money for high-profile races, including President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. As Chief External Affairs Officer for Teach For America, Von directed the organization’s statewide strategy, priorities, and policy agenda, resulting in $1M+ state budget line items. Von previously served as a major gifts officer at Louisiana State University’s E. J. Ourso College of Business, covering the Midwest and Northeast regions during the institution’s $1.5 billion “Fierce for the Future” campaign; he raised $3.5+ million during the campaign.
Von’s heart for serving communities was on display when he was the youngest person ever elected to the DeLand City Commission in 2010. While in office, he was recognized by the Florida League of Women Voters as The Future of Florida: A Young Elected Official to Watch, the Volusia/Flagler County Business Report’s Young Business Leader of the Year, a Top 40 Under 40 Leader by the Daytona Beach News Journal, and one of Volusia County’s Most Influential People by the Floridian View Magazine. During his time as an elected official, Von served as a campaign surrogate for the 2012 re-election of President Barack Obama, a Democratic National Convention Delegate, a Florida Presidential Elector, a Special Presidential Advisor to the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and a Policy Contributor to the Young Elected Officials Organization.
With servant leadership at the forefront, Von continues to serve the state of Florida in various statewide and regional capacities. Von serves on the board of directors for the Black Florida Action Fund and Urgent Inc. Miami. He has previously served as a Florida Chamber Prosperity Project Advisory Board Member, a Stakeholder Partner with Enterprise Florida, a Chairman’s Club Member of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, a JAX Chamber Hightower Emerging Leaders Fellow, and a Board Member of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council.
Von earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Colgate University, his Master of Social Work from Valdosta State University, and his Executive Master in Public Policy from Jacksonville University as a fellow. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.
