Senate Resolution 12

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JOSEPH JOHNSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT SERVICES FOR NORTH MISSISSIPPI REGIONAL CENTER, RECIPIENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL "TOP 40 UNDER 40" AWARD.

WHEREAS, Joseph A. Johnson, Assistant Director of Support Services for North Mississippi Regional Center, State Department of Mental Health, is a recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal "Top 40 Under 40" Award for 2005; and

WHEREAS, the son of a veteran educator, Johnson was selected Best All-Around Student as a high school Senior, handpicked to serve as a Legislative Page, earned the prestigious Eagle Scout designation, all while excelling academically. A native of Mize, Mississippi, Johnson graduated from Mississippi College, earning an Accounting Degree in 1992 and an MBA in 1998; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Johnson became a licensed Certified Public Accountant and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, and graduated from the John C. Stennis Institute's Leadership Program. In 2003, he completed the Certified Public Manager Program. In 2004, he added another license to his resume: Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program Administrator. He is on track to earn his Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and recently completed a dissertation comparing leadership styles; and

WHEREAS, for the Association of Behavioral Healthcare Management, Johnson has held all offices and received the Leadership Award. He has served as Treasurer of the American Association of Mental Retardation. He is also a member of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and

WHEREAS, in the two years he has lived in Oxford, Johnson has participated in Leadership Lafayette, where he created a model project related to health and fitness programs that will be incorporated into the community's healthcare arena. His family, including his wife, Shea; son, Ethan, two; and his infant daughter, Avery, is active in the First Baptist Church of Oxford, where he volunteers in Sunday School and youth departments; and

WHEREAS, Johnson has participated in fundraising events for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and the United Way in the Mississippi communities where he has lived while serving in various capacities at the Department of Mental Health facilities across the state. His dedication to mental health causes is illustrated through his involvement in support groups at Brookhaven's Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility and North Mississippi Regional Center; and

WHEREAS, when he is not strolling the beach, golfing, playing football or hunting and fishing, Johnson may be found refereeing games from peewee to semi-pro. A certified football official, he was honored with the Hank Bufkin Award as the Most Outstanding Young Official for sports officiating; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the leadership success and civic contributions of this citizen who has brought honor to his agency, his community, his family and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Joseph A. Johnson, recipient of the Mississippi Business Journal "Top 40 Under 40" Award, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate for success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Joseph Johnson, be forwarded to the State Department of Mental Health and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.