Jeff Johnson

Jeff Johnson is an award-winning journalist, communications specialist, and thought leader. Currently Johnson is a partner and Chief of Strategy for the Baltimore based branding firm Illume Communications. In this roll he provides strategic insight and messaging consulting to clients in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Johnson has maximized his expertise in communications, grassroots mobilization, political campaigns, youth engagement, and strategic consulting to create a unique career committed to developing solutions and systemic change.

Johnson works with clients to develop strategy, solutions, and content that merge effective tradition with innovative methodology for the purpose of positive transformative change and market impact. He has a gift of creating non-traditional partnerships and progressive eco-systems by utilizing meaningful relationships developed in the entertainment, non-profit, and government sectors.

Johnson is the CEO and co-founder of Elite Voices Speakers, a premier bureau he founded with journalist Marc Lamont Hill. A former BET host and producer and MSNBC contributor, Jeff also served as National Director for the Youth & College Division of the NAACP and held an appointment by Russell Simmons as the Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN). He currently provides regular content on TheRoot.com and the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Most recently Jeff worked with Steve Harvey on his latest book, Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success.

Jeff has committed much of his personal and professional life to the development of young people and continues to support youth leadership all over the country. He serves on several boards including the Morehouse Research Institute, Cleveland State University School of Urban Affairs, and the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus, OH. Jeff is the honored husband of Jacqueline and the proud father of Madison, Myles, and Malcolm.