Beverly Johnson has been named director of the UGA J.W. Fanning Institute of Leadership Development. She has served as interim director since May 2024.

“Beverly has been a shining example of leadership, effectiveness, and organizational impact for Public Service and Outreach,” said Jennifer Frum, vice president of Public Service and Outreach at the University of Georgia. “Her commitment continues to expand our impact across Georgia and beyond.”

As director, Johnson oversees the Fanning Institute’s efforts to create lifelong leaders in Georgia. From programming for youth and nonprofits to conflict resolution and training for community leaders, she supports Fanning faculty and staff in building stronger, more thriving communities through leadership development.

Jason Edwards (left), Fanning Institute faculty member, and Beverly Johnson (center), director of the Fanning Institute, meet with a student during InnovateU in 2024.

Prior to joining Fanning, she served as assistant director at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she led the State Services Division team and managed multi-year training initiatives totaling over $25 million.

Additionally, Johnson directed technical assistance and applied research for state government entities and nonprofit organizations. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Georgia Department of Labor, where she led the Field Services Division, managing a network of career centers with 1,200 staff and an annual operating budget of $68 million.

“I am genuinely excited for the opportunity to continue building upon the strong foundation established here at the Fanning Institute,” Johnson said. “Our partners are invaluable to our success as an institute, and I am dedicated to collaborating closely with them and our faculty, staff, and students to achieve our shared goals and objectives.”

Johnson earned a master’s degree in public administration and an Ed.D. in adult education, human resources, and organizational development from UGA.