Dr. Jeffery A. Johnson is a dynamic executive leader whose career spans over two decades of transformative impact in education, community development, faith-based leadership, and nonprofit strategy. His lifelong mission has been to empower individuals and strengthen communities through visionary leadership, inclusive programming, and equitable access to resources.
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Dr. Johnson’s leadership journey began early. As a high school senior and honor student in Jacksonville, Florida, he was appointed by Dr. Roy Mitchell to lead an after-school academic achievement program—making him the youngest employee of Duval County Public Schools. That foundational experience ignited a passion for education and leadership that would shape the trajectory of his professional life.
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He has served in numerous educational and leadership roles, including public school substitute teacher, 3rd and 4th grade educator, charter school board chairman, private school administrator, Director of Church Partnerships for Warner University, and adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community College. His dedication to youth development is most notably seen in his role as founder of the You Deserve To Be Loved Regional Girls Summit—an annual event that draws thousands of students and parents and has been officially recognized as a district-wide field trip in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
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Currently, Dr. Johnson serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for the CDC of Tampa, where he provides executive oversight for fundraising, marketing and communications, government relations, strategic planning, corporate training, and a $20 million partnership with Fifth Third Bank through the Economic Business Framework (EBF). The EBF initiative supports affordable housing, workforce development, and small business growth across Tampa Bay.
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In addition to his executive role, Dr. Johnson is Chairman of the East Tampa Community Revitalization Agency (CRA)—the largest CRA in the state of Florida—and Treasurer of the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority. He also serves on the City of Tampa’s Racial Reconciliation Committee and Lutheran Services Florida’s Head Start Committee, among numerous other civic and community leadership boards.
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A recognized thought leader and changemaker, Dr. Johnson was appointed a Global Ambassador for Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s BeyGOOD Foundation and was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joseph R. Biden in 2023 for his unwavering commitment to public service.
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He founded the JAJJ Executive Coaching, a consulting firm that empowered churches and small businesses to expand their reach through strategic planning, leadership development, and resource acquisition. Dr. Johnson is also a published author, former pastor, collegiate administrator, social activist, and U.S. naval officer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministry, a Master of Theology, a Master of Ministry, and a Ph.D. in Christian Thought, with academic studies at Warner University, Anderson University, and St. Thomas Theological Seminary.
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Dr. Jeffery Johnson was the founding pastor and visionary leader of Connections Community Church, a multi-campus ministry launched in 2011 with locations in Tampa and Lake Wales, Florida. For 13 years, he led a vibrant and growing congregation through transformative leadership initiatives, including land acquisition, the development of a church-operated restaurant, and the launch of several impactful community outreach programs.
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After 23 years of pastoral ministry in 2024, Dr. Johnson transitioned from pastoral leadership to serve his country as a United States Navy Reserve Chaplain. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant and serves as Chaplain for the Tampa Navy Reserve Center at MacDill Air Force Base, as well as Support Chaplain for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command (CNRMA ROC) based in Norfolk, Virginia.
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A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Johnson continues to lead with integrity, compassion, and a relentless commitment to equity and community transformation.
Awards & Recognitions
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Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award – President Joseph R. Biden, 2023
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Global Ambassador – BeyGOOD Foundation, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
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Volunteer of the Year – United Way Tampa Bay
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Community Advocate and Partner of the Year – American Red Cross, 2019
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Outstanding Community Partner – GTE Financial, 2019 & 2020
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Community Partner of the Year – Duke Energy, 2019
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Stellar Community Service Award – U.S. Census Bureau, 2010
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Honorary Chair – NAACP Freedom Fund, 2013
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Graduate – Leadership Tampa, 2012
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Inductee – Cambridge’s “Who’s Who” in Business Partnerships for Executives, Professionals & Entrepreneurs
Publications
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Author – “Creating A Better Me”
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Author – “Who’s Eating Me?”
Signature Initiatives
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Founder & Visionary – You Deserve To Be Loved Regional Girls Summit (recognized as a district-wide field trip in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties)
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Professional & Community Affiliations
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Member – Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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President – Greater Tampa Bay Ministerial Alliance, Inc.
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