Posted by Jane Pryor on May 01, 2019
I’d like to introduce you to Chris Johnson, classification Human and Community Services, proposed by Molly Carney and Paul Ishii.
 
 
A self-described “Air Force brat,” Chris was born in Sacramento, the youngest of four siblings.  A graduate of California State University Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business, Chris also attended graduate school at San Jose State University and the University of San Francisco, further honing his skills in business and communications. 
 
Chris’s early career included running his own ad agency, managing a theme park and working as a newspaper cartoonist – a talent he still enjoys today. 
 
Between 1999 and 2010, Chris worked for the American Red Cross, starting as director of development and communications in Colorado Springs before moving to a position as chief communications officer for the Bay area chapter. From there he transitioned to area communications and government relations officer for California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands. His last position with the Red Cross was as regional CEO for one of its largest chapters encompassing Los Angeles to San Francisco.
 
In 2010, Chris served for two years as the interim division president for the National Kidney Foundation of southern California and southern Nevada.  His accomplishments there led to a position as chief executive officer of Woodcraft Rangers, a youth services agency in Los Angeles, a position he held for six years.
 
By this time, Chris had earned a reputation as an effective CEO, coming into nonprofit organizations at a critical point and helping them grow through strategic planning, financial performance, public awareness, and resource development. In January 2019, he and his wife, Laura, moved to Seattle where Chris joined Evergreen Treatment Services as interim CEO after Molly Carney retired.  
 
Chris and Laura have been married 34 years and have two children, 30-year-old son Taylor and 26-year-old daughter Ariana.  Chris and Laura currently live in Columbia City and are searching for their “forever home” in the Pacific Northwest. 
 
Chris’s pet of choice would be a dog, he plays tennis for exercise, and he was a disco champion in 1979 ...  I’ll let you ask him about that last item.
 
No stranger to Rotary, Chris comes to us from LA5 Rotary, the fifth oldest club in the U.S. A member since 2010, Chris enjoys the opportunities Rotary provides to get involved in the community, support community needs, and connect with other like-minded business leaders.
 
Please join me in welcoming Chris Johnson to the Rotary Club of Seattle.
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