San Luis Obispo’s new economic development manager, Lee Johnson, brings extensive private sector experience, international knowledge and a local business perspective to this critical position that links the business community and government.
Johnson started with the city on Aug. 26, following a national search to fill the position previously held by Claire Clark.
Johnson spent 18 years working with global container shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk Group where he was responsible for more than 5,000 employees and all Latin American operations. In the summer of 2008 the Penn State University alum moved his family to SLO County and shortly thereafter began working with Collaboration LLC., a SLO based business consulting firm. More recently he served as CEO of Mainstream Energy/REC Solar and in 2012 teamed with local partners to launch Jimmy Towel.
Johnson earned his MBA from IMD business school in Lausanne, Switzerland where he focused on leadership and organizational change, and is a graduate of Leadership SLO.
He recently shared greater insight with the Chamber on his background, how he came to settle in SLO County and why he is excited to serve in this new role.
1) What brought you to San Luis Obispo County?
My wife and I first visited the area in 1990 and we have visited on and off over the years. When we had the chance to redefine the way we were living our lives we narrowed our choices to Santiago Chile and the Central Coast of CA. After lots of thought we decided to settle here on the Central Coast.
2) You have spent your entire career in the private sector. Why did you make the switch to public servant?
The main reason we came here was the quality of life. I truly believe that the quality of life contributes to economic development and the right kind of economic development contributes to the quality of life. When the opportunity became available to contribute to our community I thought it was important to throw my hat in the ring because I realize how important the cooperation between the public and private sectors can be to the success of our community.
3) You have such a diverse background working for both small local companies and large global corporations, how do you see this helping you in your new position?
I have experienced quite a few situations in my 20-plus year career in all types of businesses in all types of places. While I may not be familiar with every business and every situation, I think my experience will help me to bring the city, the general public and the business community together on the issues related to economic development so that everyone can win and we can continue to have a vibrant community with a great quality of life.
4) In 2012 the City of SLO created an Economic Development Strategic Plan, what excites you the most about it?
The first step to success is having a vision of what you want to accomplish. The Economic Development Strategic Plan is our vision of what we want accomplish. I am very excited to have this base from which we can continue to grow.
5) What do envision will be some of the greatest opportunities and challenges for implementation of the strategic plan?
I think the biggest opportunity is that the vast majority of people in the city want the same thing; A vibrant, well-functioning community where they can afford to raise their families and enjoy the tremendous quality of life. The main challenge is that we all have different perspectives and beliefs and we have to find a way to have a constructive dialogue and a productive decision making process that allows us to continue to build on the successes we have had so far.