Executive Director
Resume:
JOEL C. JOHNSON
Personnel, Program, and Business Management
CONTACT
PHONE:
ADDRESS:
Clare, MI 48617
EMAIL:
***************@*****.***
PROFILE
I grew up on the cash crop/beef farm that my Dad managed. I developed a love for farming and began helping at an early age. My love for agriculture grew stronger as I learned more about it by taking every agricultural class available at my high school and became the FFA Chapter President.
I had successful leadership roles in various agricultural businesses with concentration in livestock feed and fertilizer. In 2010, I successfully ran for state representative for the 97th district of the Michigan House of Representatives. I was known for problem-solving servant leadership. I helped reduce regulation, assisted in balancing the budget, and initiated changes to improve opportunities for education, agriculture, and small business. My constituency greatly appreciated a no-nonsense approach to government representation. They re-elected me overwhelmingly until I was term limited. Shortly thereafter, I accepted an appointment as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in Michigan. I am honored to have received compliments by agency leaders, general staff, and partner agencies for improved communication, transparency, and implementation of farm programs and farm loan management in Michigan.
HOBBIES
Small Beef Backgrounding Operation
Family Watersports
Attending Grandchildren’s Events
Hunting
Gardening
Classic Vehicles
Community Events
EDUCATION
Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology
Graduated March 1978
Major: Elevator and Farm Supply Management
GPA: 3.75
Merrill Community Schools
Graduated 1976
Future Farmers of America: Chapter President
WORK EXPERIENCE
USDA- Farm Service Agency: State Executive Director for Michigan
October 2017-Present
- Responsible for Implementation of USDA FSA Farm Programs and Farm Loans in Michigan through 49 County Offices and 1 State Office.
- Created a team culture of accountability, through direct supervision of state leadership team and oversight of approximately 250 full time employees plus intermittent part time employees.
- Improved interaction within the agency, various partner organizations, legislators and other government agencies.
Johnson Consulting: Private Contractor
January-October 2017
-Primary Client Mid-Michigan College (MMC)
-Government Affairs
-Helped lead development of experiential learning career center to coordinate with employers and skilled trades students
-Collaborated with Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, employers, MMC, and Delta College to help develop an Employee Talent Pipeline
Michigan House of Representatives: State Representative
2011-2017
-Term limited after three elected terms as a state legislator representing a rural northern Michigan constituency of 90,000 people.
- Chairman of House Committee on Workforce and Talent Development. Also served on Committees on Agriculture, Commerce, Judiciary, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation, Natural Resources, Financial Services, and Insurance.
-Collaboratively developed, introduced and passed legislation to increase opportunities for skilled trades training in high schools
Johnston Elevator Division of Cutler Dickerson Co. (Clare): Manager
1989-2011
-Directed all aspects of a respected feed and farm supply business. Facilitated excellent improvement in sales, profitability, and condition of equipment and facilities.
Wayne Feed Division of the Continental Grain Co.: District Salesman
1987-1989
-Feed sales to and for dealers in about 1/3 of Michigan. Received extensive training in animal nutrition, business management, financial analysis, listening skills, and salesmanship.
American Bean and Grain Corporation (St. Louis, MI): Manager
1985-1987
-Dry Beans, Fertilizer, Seed, Chemicals, and Custom Application
-Excellent growth in all areas of the business
Sebewaing Farmers’ Cooperative: Sales
1982-1985
-Consultive sales of fertilizer, seed, chemicals, and feed.
-Purchasing and Pricing of Fertilizers, directed custom application
Detroit Stake Farm (Merrill, MI): Division Manager
1979-1982
-Managed the calf division and worked on a beef/cash crop farm
W.R. Grace & Company: Wholesale Sales
1978-1989
-Sold fertilizer and chemicals to dealers in Ohio and Indiana
SKILLS
Relationship Building
Proven Successful Team Building and Development
Financial Management/Business Management and Planning
Public Relations/Communications
Public Policy Analysis, Improvement, and Implementation
Agricultural Lending Management
Commercial Agronomy Management/experience in consultive sales, soil testing, blend formulation and custom application
Commercial Liivestock Nutrition Management and Sales
Equipment Maintenance Management
Computer Skills-learned and operated programs as needed
Community Activities
Michigan Farm Bureau: Silver Plow Award
Clare County Farm Bureau: Past President
Clare Area Chamber of Commerce: Former President
Mid Michigan Big Brothers Big Sisters: Former Board Member
Michigan Agr-Business Association: Former Board Member
MSU Extension: County Advisory Council
Various Church Leadership Positions
References
Available upon request
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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