Remembering Johnny Johnson, trustee and co-founder.

Read Mr. Johnson’s Mission and Vision  statements.

Read David’s memorial message, tribute, and the press release regarding his passing.

Professional Summary

Twenty-seven years experience in college and university financial management, strategic planning, budgeting and investments in both public and private higher education in Alabama. Education and experience in accounting, finance, business, and investments. Consultant, teacher, and speaker on higher education finance, accounting, investments, and computing.

Professional Experience

Vice President for Business and Finance, Birmingham-Southern College, (BSC), Birmingham, Alabama, 1980 until his death in 2001 (Controller 1980-83, promoted to Associate Vice President for Finance reporting directly to the President 1983-87, promoted to Vice President for Financial Affairs January 1, 1988-94, promoted to Vice President for Business and Finance 1994).

Chief Financial Officer: responsible for development and maintenance of the financial accounting and records systems and preparation of financial reports and analyses, administration of endowment and similar funds, management of investments, budget preparation and budgetary accounting, internal control and audits. Also, responsible for the management and oversight of the physical plant, capital construction projects, campus police, purchasing, employment of non-academic personnel, auxiliary enterprises, (including food services, bookstore, telecommunication, and print shop), computer services, risk management and insurance.

Consulting, Teaching, and Speaking

• Guest lecturer on higher education financing for BSC Masters in Public and Private Management program.
• Guest lecturer for the Higher Education Graduate Program at the University of Alabama.
• Guest speaker to student financial aid administrators on loan collection strategies, and audit and program review.
• Teacher for the Personal Leadership Association seminar on the financial area of life.
  Co-founder and trustee of the Personal Leadership Association (now Life Leaders)
• Executive Committee of Dyson Leadership Institute (now Life Leaders Institute).

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, 1974, University of Alabama.
• Numerous professional and continuing education classes.
• 100+ Personal Leadership Association seminars.

Loyalty Award

In 2001, on behalf of the members of the Personal Leadership Association, the Institute trustees voted to create our first award, the Loyalty Award, to honor volunteerism with our co-founder Johnny Johnson in mind as the first recipient. We planned to surprise him with this award at our 10th annual holiday dinner.

Johnny died unexpectedly at only age 55 during a much deserved and rarely taken vacation that provided him a chance to go snorkeling in beautiful Caribbean waters. He died much as he lived–quietly, peacefully–looking at a beauty in a world that was better for him being here.

We celebrated his life and his role as loyal member of our association by presenting to him posthumously our first loyalty award. A plaque was presented to his family.

When presented to other recipients, it shall carry the name of the Johnny Johnson Loyalty Award and seek to reward volunteer service and support. We hope the meaning of this award will pay tribute to Johnny and inspire members to serve our mission as Johnny did so meaningfully for 10 years. The Institute will receive nominations and present the award as often as deemed appropriate, likely at our holiday banquet and celebration. First consideration will be given to a member of the Personal Leadership Association, though the spirit of intent is for all Institute programs and our unique approach to service through volunteers and professionals.

Loyalty related to this award suggests that a recipient would have demonstrated continuous participation, plus service and support, over time – likely seven years or more. A selection committee can make exceptions for significant reasons, though the intent of the award is to recognize loyalty over time more so than single acts of service or support.

Recipients of the Johnny Johnson Loyalty Award

• Mr. Charles “Hack” Sain 2002
• Col. C.H. “Stretch” Dunn (Retired) 2003
• Col. Bob Barefield (Retired) 2007
• Mr. Dwight Wiggins 2008
• Dr. David Dyson 2010