Jamie Johnson is excited about his new role as the executive director of the Marshall Foundation for Community Health, despite the challenge of having to move his large family—consisting of his wife, six children, and three German shepherds—from Pennsylvania to California. Earlier this year, he passed through Placerville and fell in love with the mountain vistas and small-town atmosphere. From then on, he was just waiting for the right time—and the right opportunity. “I’m a firm believer that if you believe in something and you visualize it, it will happen,” he enthuses.

Prior to taking the reins at the foundation—whose mission is to support Marshall Medical Center and community health programs through philanthropy—Johnson worked in fund-raising for Clarion University of Pennsylvania, before moving on to become the executive director of a senior activity and service center. Yet Johnson was always keenly interested in health care. His first son, Julian, was born 13 weeks premature at a community hospital—not unlike Marshall—and was in the NICU for 11 weeks. To this day, Johnson remains grateful for the support his family received from the nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff. As he settles into his new life in Placerville, he hopes to pay it forward—both through his activities with the foundation and by getting more involved in the community. “We have a responsibility to use our gifts to make a difference, whatever that may be,” he shares.  

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Breathe and believe.

What comes to you naturally?
Compassion.   

What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Disrespect.

What are you most proud of?
My wife and six children.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received?  

Be kind; read.

WHAT’S NEXT?
Make a positive difference in the community. 

Favorites

Author/writer:
Anthony de Mello

Escape:
The mountains

Guilty pleasure:
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream

Meal in town:
Heyday Café

Memory:
My first child being born

Movie:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Musician/band:
Led Zeppelin; U2

Annual event:
White on White (Images of Hope’s annual fund-raiser)

Saying:
“Fly like an eagle!”

Do you know someone in the community who makes a difference or is particularly interesting that we should Get to Know? Email their name, where they live, and why they should be featured to [email protected].

By Amber Foster