Dr. C. Douglas Johnson, Class of 2016, is a Professor of Leadership and Management at Georgia Gwinnett College. As a first-generation college student, Douglas received his B.S. in accounting from Clemson University, an MBA in human resources from the University of Connecticut, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Georgia.
Johnson is committed to personal and professional development of students and young professionals through mentoring activities. He has received awards for his teaching, student engagement, scholarship, and creative activities, and service, being the first to receive all four faculty awards of excellence at GGC. He is an inspirational speaker and has facilitated many sessions on leadership, leadership development, diversity and community engagement.
Douglas has served on the Leadership Gwinnett Education Day Committee, Building Community Leaders Day Committee and now we’re excited to announce his new role with Leadership Gwinnett as our Tri-Chair. Enjoy learning more about Doug!
LG: What makes Gwinnett great?
Doug: The people are what make Gwinnett great. While some may initially think the education system (from daycare to doctorate), but its the diverse people, passion and commitment they bring to the system that make it what it is.
LG: Why is leadership important to you?
Doug: The individuals in positions of influence shape the trajectory of an organization, community, or family. That’s why it is important to have leaders in place that effectively use their head, heart, and hands to build relationships and strategically shape the future.
LG: What do you want people to know about Leadership Gwinnett?
Doug: That Leadership Gwinnett is more than a leadership development program; it is a collective that seeks to better understand the community and contribute to her success. It is a family where people are seeking ways to leverage the diverse talents that exist and make Gwinnett inclusive.
LG: Why should people get involved in our programs?
Doug: Leadership Gwinnett programs afford people an opportunity to increase their human capital by gaining additional knowledge and developing skills to better the community, and expand their social capital by building relationships with individuals they may not have otherwise come in contact with.
LG: What are you most excited about in your role as Tri-Chair?
Doug: I am most excited about the opportunity to continue to grow and develop with an organization that is invested in the betterment of our community and its leaders. To work alongside others who genuinely care about the County’s future is exciting.
LG: What do you love about your career?
Doug: What I love most about my career is the opportunity to engage with students and assist with their holistic development. To see students grow and walk in their purpose is fulfilling.
LG: Tell us about your family.
Doug: I am the husband of one and father of two. Janice and I met at a Mardi Gras ball on Valentine’s Day 1998, and have been happily married since June 2000. My son, Corban, is a 17-year-old aspiring classical double bassist, and my daughter, Cordée, is a 13-year-old aspiring veterinarian or physician.
LG: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Doug: Free time, that’s funny; but I do enjoy creative writing (from poetry to prose), word search puzzles (creating them and solving), gospel music, supporting the Clemson Tigers, and spending time with family and friends.
LG: What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Doug: That in a former life I was an accountant and aspiring model (yes, this was many years and pounds ago) who had gigs up and down the East coast.
