James Johnson to assume division administrator role for Olmsted County’s Health, Housing, and Human Services division

Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted (DFO) Community Corrections program manager James Johnson will continue his career with Olmsted County as the next division administrator for Health, Housing, and Human Services (HHH). Johnson will officially assume the role on Monday, March 14, 2022. 

This news follows the departure of former HHH division administrator Sarah Oachs on January 14, 2022.

As HHH division administrator, James will become a member of the Olmsted County Executive Management team and will primarily support the work of Adult and Family Services, Child and Family Services, Family Support and Assistance, HHH Administration, and Veteran Services. 

Johnson has been with Olmsted County since 2005. He served for several years within the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy, corporal, and sergeant before moving to DFO Community Corrections as a probation officer. For the last four years, James has been a DFO Community Corrections program manager, where he supervised employees in Dodge and Olmsted counties. Prior to joining Olmsted County, Johnson worked in telecommunications for five years. He has a degree in criminal justice and served in the United States Air Force and Army National Guard.  

“I feel fortunate to continue my career with Olmsted County as HHH division administrator,” said Johnson. “I’ve had the privilege of working with people in our community in a variety of roles, and this opportunity will allow me to continue serving residents by joining a team of talented and committed human service leaders influencing the direction of our organization and the community we serve.”

“James has a deep passion for county government and ensuring we provide the best possible most fiscally responsible service to our community,” said Olmsted County Deputy Administrator Travis Gransee. “He has a strong history of working within and across systems to improve our approach and programs. He is a humble servant leader driven by purpose and will assist in maintaining strong collaborative efforts both internal to the county and with community partners.”  

Johnson’s move creates a program manager vacancy in DFO Community Corrections. That position will be posted and filled as soon as possible.