Reverend Mitchell L. Johnson has been a Chicagoland community leader for over two decades. He is a nationally recognized economic development expert who has helped hundreds of churches serve as catalysts for economic growth and empowerment in their communities.
Johnson’s focus on community economic development and collaboration has led to roles serving as Executive Director of Developing Communities Project (DCP) – a position previously held by Former President Barack Obama. Reverend Johnson has served as the Economic Development Officer for the Baptist State Convention of Illinois as well as a faculty member of Lifeway Black Church Leadership and Family Conference. Johnson has served as a consultant for Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi), the world’s largest Jewish college fraternity, operating chapters on more than 190 college campuses in seven countries. Johnson also serves as an Associate Minister at Hillcrest Baptist Church where Dr. Adron Robinson is the Senior Pastor. Reverend Johnson’s work at DCP resulted in community bonding companies, as well as local minority-owned electric companies, receiving contracts for public sector projects including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Redline upgrade. His work also helped foster the growth of community-based private enterprises in underserved communities.
A graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, TN, Johnson received his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. His further studies included studying law at Downing College in Cambridge, England, and the University of Connecticut School of Law in Stores, Connecticut. He is currently studying at Northern Seminary where his concentration is Christian Community Development.
Reverend Johnson and his wife, Cook County Justice Sharon O. Johnson, live with their wonderful children in Calumet City, Illinois.