We selected Lee because of his proven track record of success, scope of departmental knowledge, experience, leadership and management skills. Since 1989, Johnson has worked in a variety of positions to help protect Florida's most vulnerable citizens. One such program, Workforce Plus, involves Economic Self Sufficiency and Family Safety. Another example of his success is the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation Primary Prevention Program. In the prototype region, Johnson will manage the reorganization efforts by helping to centralize administrative functions, foster relationships with new community partners and direct the consolidation of the districts and counties.
Staff are the ones that make things happen.
Without them the best ideas cannot come to fruition. This is not the first time Johnson will step into a temporary position. While in the area, he led his staff to take actions that stabilized the district's child-protection services, managed staffing issues, and developed resources for foster and shelter care. I have the utmost confidence in Lee and feel that we are now able to make big strides in our move toward reorganization and community-based care. The nationwide search for a permanent director will continue as the department pursues candidates with expertise in corporate reorganizations and restructuring.