Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson
President
The Rev. Mitchell L. Ikenna Johnson has been a Chicagoland community leader for more than two decades, and is a nationally recognized economic development expert who has helped hundreds of churches serve as catalysts for economic growth and empowerment in their communities. Rev. Johnson’s focus on community economic development and collaboration has led to roles serving as executive director of Developing Communities Project (DCP), a position previously held by former President Barack Obama. His work at DCP resulted in community bonding companies as well as local minority-owned electric companies receiving contracts for public sector projects including the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line upgrade. Rev. Johnson’s work has also helped foster the growth of community-based private enterprises in underserved communities.
Rev. Johnson has served as the Economic Development Officer for the Baptist State Convention of Illinois as well as a faculty member of Lifeway Black Church Leadership and Family Conference. He has been a consultant for Alpha Epsilon Pi, the world’s largest Jewish college fraternity, operating chapters on more than 190 college campuses in seven countries. A graduate of Fisk University in Nashville, TN, Johnson received his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and is a resident of Hyde Park. He is the father of a current CPS student and two CPS graduates.
