Les Johnson
Director of Human Resources & Administration
Les graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a BA in Mass Communications and the University of Maryland University College with an MS in Human Resources Mgmt. Over the span of 25 years, he built HR teams, implemented HRIS systems, and facilitated DEI initiatives, in addition to managing the core functions of human resources (recruiting, benefits, compliance, etc.). He finds the helping of others to be intrinsically rewarding. Prior to joining Generation Hope, Les worked in a variety of capacities including serving as the Managing Director of Talent and Organizational Effectiveness at Flamboyan Foundation, Director of Human Resources at KWC, and the Sr. Director of Human Resources at the Capital Area Food Bank, a position he held for 16 years. Les is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.
Les will occasionally DJ at local non-profit events serving the community like Project Giveback for Thanksgiving and We Feed Our People on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. He sees how music can have a way of bringing people together and the events help keep him connected to those in our community having a greater support need. Other interests include barbecuing, walking his dog, and taking on the latest home renovation project. Les resides in Washington, DC with his wife and three daughters.
Quote:
“Every day I watched how a bare metal frame, rolling down the line would come off the other end, a spanking brand new car. What a great idea! Maybe, I could do the same thing with my music. Create a place where a kid off the street could walk in one door, an unknown, go through a process, and come out another door, a star.” — Barry Gordy
Why I chose this quote:
Whether we’re talking about people, systems, or home improvement projects, I’ve always found the before-and-after process to be a very intriguing and rewarding experience. Being instrumental in seeing something, or someone, go from raw or unfinished to a refined and finished product leading to the “Wow!” factor, is a very rewarding experience.