UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson’s nominee for the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, James Johnson, was officially sworn in this morning.

“James Johnson brings over 34 years of experience in program management and administration and is an excellent candidate to serve as Director,” County Executive Johnson said.  “He possesses the required skills, talents and demonstrated experience to be successful and I am confident that he will continue to be an asset to the citizens and residents of Prince George’s County.”

The Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for all aspects of the county’s housing programs, including planning, program development and management, community services and housing rehabilitation.  They are also responsible for the administration and coordination of county support and services to the Housing Authority.

A resident of Camp Springs, James Johnson has a record of achievement in program administration, personnel coordination, contract oversight, negotiations and as an entrepreneur. Since 2008, he has served as the Acting Director of Housing and Community Development and the Executive Director of the Housing Authority.  He has managed and directed the Department’s 145 employees and $80 million budget.

He developed and executed programs which have brought $22.4 million in grant funding to the county through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  James Johnson improved and shepherded the process to guarantee attainment of $6.5 million in grant funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in fiscal year 2009.  He created and implemented a reorganization plan and operating policies for the Department and the Housing Authority which have improved operations.

He previously served as a Special Assistant to the County Executive for five years, where he was responsible for managing many programs including the Summer Youth Initiative Program which has assisted over 2,000 young adults with summer jobs in county government and 200 private sector companies.

Prior to his work with the county, he was the owner of Gospel Notes Records and Books in Oxon Hill for 13 years.  He has also served as personnel manager at Howard University and taught in the District of Columbia public schools.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Biology from Benedict College and a Master of Higher Education Administration degree from Howard University.