Johnson brings deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, shaped by personal experience and years of public service.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — The Ford Family Foundation is pleased to welcome Robert Johnson, a Douglas County Circuit Court Judge, community leader and former Ford Scholar as its newest Board member.
Johnson brings a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, shaped by both personal experience and years of public service. A 2008 Ford Scholar, he credits the Foundation with helping make higher education possible for him and opening doors that changed the course of his life.
Johnson is active in many community organizations and youth development efforts. He is the head coach for South Umpqua High School boys basketball and has held governance roles with several nonprofit and civic organizations, including Elevate Oregon, CASA of Douglas County and the Cobb Street Children’s Learning Center. Johnson previously served on the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.
“Robert has deep connections with the foundation and has an outsized presence in our community. We are excited and incredibly fortunate to be able to tap into his vision and leadership,” said Toby Luther, chair of the Board of Directors.
Growing up in Portland, Johnson faced significant hardships, including periods of homelessness, the loss of both parents at a young age and challenges related to neurological differences. With support from mentors and educational opportunities, he earned degrees from Umpqua Community College, Portland State University and the University of Oregon School of Law. He often speaks about the people who invested in his future and inspired him to do the same for others.
“The Foundation’s support helped me imagine a future that once felt out of reach,” Johnson said. “I am honored to give back to an organization that invested in me and continues to invest in young people, families and communities across Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.”
Johnson lives in Roseburg with his wife, Krista, and their two children. Having spent portions of his life in both urban and rural Oregon, he brings a perspective that reflects the diversity of experiences found throughout the communities the Foundation serves.
Download this press release PDF
Download photo
Robert Johnson JPG
About The Ford Family Foundation
The Ford Family Foundation believes in the power of rural communities. It is a private, nonprofit foundation proudly headquartered in Roseburg, Oregon, serving rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Its investments through grants, scholarships and community building create the conditions so that children have the family, educational and community supports they need to succeed in life. www.tfff.org
General media inquiries
Jennifer Lindsey – Director of Communications
(541) 485-6223, jlindsey@tfff.org
###