Dr. Helen Johnson
Dr. Helen Johnson
Chief Operating Officer of San Diego
Dr. Helen Johnson is a distinguished public administration leader and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the San Diego City Government. With over two decades of experience in public sector management, Dr. Johnson has been instrumental in modernizing and streamlining the city's operations to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego. She pursued her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she developed a passion for urban governance and policy innovation. In 2010, she completed her Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, focusing on organizational transformation in municipal governments.
Before her appointment as COO, Dr. Johnson held various leadership roles within local government agencies. She served as Director of City Services, where she led significant initiatives to improve public transportation and infrastructure. Her tenure as Deputy City Manager saw the successful implementation of several community-driven projects aimed at enhancing quality of life and fostering economic development.
As COO, Dr. Johnson is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of San Diego’s municipal government. Her key priorities include advancing the city’s sustainability goals, improving public safety, and fostering innovation in city services. She has been a driving force behind the digital transformation of city operations, including the development of new platforms for citizen engagement and data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Johnson is known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to transparency and accountability. She actively engages with community stakeholders and city employees to ensure that the government’s initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of San Diego’s diverse population.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Johnson is a dedicated advocate for education and civic engagement. She frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on topics related to urban governance and public sector reform. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking the scenic trails of San Diego and volunteering with local youth programs.
Dr. Helen Johnson’s leadership continues to shape the future of San Diego, driving progress and innovation in the city’s administration while maintaining a deep commitment to the community she serves.