Joe Johnson moved to Gainesville in 1980 and has been an integral part of the community ever since.
As the program manager for the leadership program of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, Johnson practices what he preaches everyday by lifting where he stands and serving the Greater Gainesville community.
“I’m a people person,” Johnson said. “If I can assist someone and help them be a better person, so be it. I’ll be there.”
Peaceful Paths
Peaceful Paths is an organization near and dear to Johnson’s heart. Having served on the board for 26 years, his service is a legacy to his late wife.
“I will serve on the Peaceful Paths board for the rest of my life, or until they kick me out, whichever comes first,” he said.
Serving four counties of Greater Gainesville, Peaceful Paths helps anyone and everyone who has suffered from domestic violence.
“What do they not do”? Johnson said.
There are attorneys and medical professionals on staff to help victims, as well as food, shelter, clothing, counseling and youth programs. Duplexes were recently built as safe havens for victims that they can stay in for six months at a time if they are in dire need.
Service With a Smile
Giving back is something Johnson truly believes in, and not just during the holiday season but all year long. Community organizations and projects over the years that he has been a part of include, March of Dimes, The Ricart House and Guest Chef Gainesville . Additionally, he continues to assist in various drives to raise money or “adopt a child” for the holidays and ensure children around Greater Gainesville all have a Christmas.
“I wish the world were better, so we didn’t need these programs, but it’s not. So, there are opportunities all around us to become better and help our community prosper,” Johnson said.
One of Johnson’s passions is mentoring outstanding leadership and continuing to build up Gainesville.
“If you don’t have the right leadership, a community will not prosper. At the Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to attract people and businesses, retain them, grow them and continue to have a thriving community, as we do now. Find a mentor or someone you emulate, and learn from them,” Johnson said.
Things To Know About Joe
Johnson’s work ethic and love of community service come from his parents and family. He grew up in a large family, the third of 10 children.
“My father was a preacher, and my mother was a homemaker. They taught us to work hard and show respect to everybody,” Johnson said. “A community is just like a family. You get out of it what you put into it.”
Having been with the Chamber of Commerce for 18 years, Johnson said, “Gainesville may be small in size, but it is large in stature. We are a family.”
By Meredith Biesinger.