Johnson inducted as an Ohio Commodore

Colonel Jay Johnson, Director of the George V. Voinovich Academy for Excellence in Public Service at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, was recently inducted as an Ohio Commodore.

“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be inducted as a Commodore, I’m very humbled to have this opportunity,” Johnson said.

The Association of Ohio Commodores’ mission is, “To assist the State of Ohio in its advancement in all areas contributing to the economic growth and development of the State, and the greater prosperity of its citizens,” according to their website.

Founded in 1966 by former Ohio Governor James A. Rhodes, the guidelines to join still remain the same.

“In order to be a member of the Ohio Commodores you must be contributing to thegrowth and development of the State of Ohio and greater prosperity of her citizens,” current Grand Commodore, Sam Covelli said in a statement on their website. The only way to be inducted is to be recommended by a fellow Commodore. Johnson was nominated by fellow Ohio Commodores Rick Hodges and Tom Johnson, both Executives-in-Residence at Ohio University.

Johnson originally graduated from Ohio University in 1986 with a bachelor’s in criminal justice. He also holds master’s degrees in Public Administration from Webster University and National Resource Strategy from National Defense University (The Eisenhower School.)

“As a graduate of Ohio University, I got my start here. From when I first started my career to now, OU has been very instrumental in allowing me to inspire others,” Johnson said.

He came to the Voinovich School with more than 30 years of military and government experience with an extensive background as a Marine Corps officer collaborating with interagency and international organizations in several executive level leadership positions. Johnson’s career in the Marine Corps focused on leadership development and team building across a wide spectrum of organizational levels. Previously, he held the position of an executive director at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College where he mentored over 1,300 students from various backgrounds. Johnson continually works for the betterment of society through involvement in organizations such as Marine Corps Toys for Tots (Central Ohio); the Overwatch Partnership, which supports transitioning service members from active duty to civilian; and Ohio Troops to Teachers.

Johnson has shown tremendous commitment and devotion to the development of Ohio, and he looks forward to continuing this work.

“This new role will allow me to connect with more people and create additional opportunities. It’s a shared common thread to warrant new connections,” Johnson said.