Dr. Cynthia Johnson stands as a trusted advisor to businesses of all sizes, government agencies, policymakers, and community leaders, both throughout Florida and on the international stage. She has built her career around the diverse and interconnected aspects of economic development. Over 24 years, Dr. Johnson has honed her skills as a consensus builder, relationship broker, and strategic leader. 

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Johnson has successfully led teams that have generated over $105 million in capital formation, directly supporting the creation of more than 40,000 jobs within the Pinellas community. She is a firm believer that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved through an inclusive, intentional, and people-centered approach. Her core values of integrity, humility, and accountability guide her efforts to foster shared engagement and responsibility, ultimately creating new opportunities for all. 

As the Director of Pinellas County Economic Development and Executive Director of the Pinellas County Economic Development Authority, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to attracting and retaining businesses that drive high-value employment and contribute to a robust economy. Her extensive professional experience has earned her recognition as a thought leader in innovative solutions and a collaborator with key stakeholders across both the private and public sectors. She adeptly guides initiatives that leverage the strengths of target industry markets, deliver talent development solutions, and create pathways for enduring economic prosperity and inclusive growth. 

Dr. Johnson's expertise extends to entrepreneurial and small business development, where she has launched initiatives that have garnered investment and resulted in over $310 million in awarded government contracts. Her specialties encompass partner relations, federal and state grants management, compliance, strategic planning, entrepreneurial development, finance, and small business innovation. With over 24 years in economic development and more than 31 years in leadership training and development, her breadth of experience is grounded in collaboration. 

Before her current roles, Dr. Johnson served as the Assistant Principal for Pinellas County Schools and held various positions in education and training. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Florida Memorial University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Organization from Nova Southeastern University.  

Additionally, she holds certifications from prestigious institutions, including Cornell University in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is a Master Economic Development Practitioner, and is an Executive Fellow of the Eckerd College Leadership Institute. Dr. Johnson is also a Bloomberg Harvard Public Engagement Fellow and has participated in the National Forum of Black Public Administrators’ Executive Leadership Institute, among numerous industryrelated certifications. 

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Johnson shares her insights on innovation and thought leadership, economic inclusivity, talent development, disaster and business continuity, and stakeholder engagement. Her achievements have garnered her several accolades, including the 2024 Congressional Honor from U.S. House Representative Kathy Castor for outstanding accomplishments in leadership and service, recognition as the 2023 Tampa Bay Inno Awardee, ONYX Magazine’s 2022 Woman on the Move ,Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 00 and Woman of the Year.