Mr. Johnson has served more than 15 years as CEO of Howard County Medical Center, leading strategy, operations and fiscal stewardship for a 10-bed critical access hospital. Rising from clinic director to CEO in three years, he has focused on expansion, technology modernization and community wellness to keep care local for rural residents. Under his leadership, the medical center constructed an $8 million, 17,000-square-foot wellness center offering physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, a pediatric sensory gym, a walking track, and lap and therapy pools. He also spearheaded outpatient psychiatric services for all ages and expanded mental health visits through the rural health clinic to strengthen access to behavioral health. Mr. Johnson has advanced patient engagement and workflow efficiency through Meditech Expanse, enabling online scheduling and broader patient portal access to results and appointments. He also serves as a board member of the ruralMED Health Cooperative, collaborating with peer rural leaders to share resources and advocate for rural health priorities.
