News Summary
Marie C. Johns has been appointed the 2025-2026 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University. This role will allow her to lead initiatives aimed at educating students on public policy. Johns brings extensive experience from her previous positions, including CEO of a consulting firm and deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Washington, D.C. – Marie C. Johns has been appointed the 2025-2026 Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy at Howard University. This prestigious position will enable Johns to lead a series of initiatives aimed at educating students about public policy and its impact on society.
Johns, who is recognized for her extensive experience in both public service and the business sector, previously served on the Howard University Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2024. She now holds the title of Trustee Emeritus. The King Endowed Chair, established in 2008 by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Colbert I. King and former Social Security Commissioner Gwendolyn S. King—both of whom are Howard alumni—aims to provide students with access to senior public service executives experienced in developing public policy initiatives.
The program includes lectures and seminars on critical topics such as voting, leadership, civil rights, economic affairs, and global diplomacy. Wayne A.I. Frederick, Howard’s interim president, emphasized Johns’ valuable experience and how it aligns with the university’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in public policy.
Notable Background of Marie C. Johns
Johns is currently the CEO of PPC-Leftwich, a minority and woman-led consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. Her prior experience includes significant roles in the telecommunications sector, where she served as the president of Verizon Washington.
Between 2010 and 2013, Johns held the position of deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where she oversaw record lending of over $30 billion to more than 60,000 small businesses. Johns is credited with creating the SBA’s Council on Underserved Communities and initiating the Start Young initiative, which focused on providing entrepreneurial training to Job Corps students.
In addition to her consulting work, Johns has been instrumental in several local organizations, having served as the founding chair of the Washington, D.C. Technology Council and taking on leadership roles with the D.C. Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Her contributions to the business community have earned her recognition in the Greater Washington Business Hall of Fame, as well as a spot in Washingtonian magazine’s list of “100 Most Powerful Women.”
Achievements and Honors
In 2013, Johns received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Howard University. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University, further solidifying her academic credentials in public affairs and governance.
Inaugural Series and Future Events
As part of her new role, Johns expressed her dedication to engaging and challenging Howard students on significant public policy issues. The series titled “Marie Johns Presents The King Endowed Chair on Policy & Leadership: Elevating Voices, Shaping Policy, Building Communities” is set to commence on September 19 and will feature U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrook as a speaker.
The King Endowed Chair has previously been held by prominent figures, including Elijah Cummings, Elaine R. Jones, Donna Brazile, and Michael Steele. The legacy of the position is rooted in promoting informed discussions and actions around public policy, with a focus on developing the next generation of leaders.
With Johns at the helm, the initiative aims to continue the King Chair’s legacy by fostering an environment where students can learn from seasoned professionals while actively contributing to the discourse surrounding public policy.
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Additional Resources
- The Washington Informer
- Globe News Wire
- Globe News Wire Resource
- NBC Washington
- Wikipedia: Public Policy
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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