Norma Johnson
Vice President
Children, Youth & Family Services

Norma Johnson has had a successful 23 year career directing Head Start programs and has a national reputation for running a high quality program where children excel in academics and self-confidence. She is well-known and applauded for her commitment to ensuring families receive quality service and are treated with dignity she believes they deserve. Ms. Johnson has been instrumental in developing and administering one of the most successful and respected programs in HHS Region IX.

She is highly-respected in the community and has an exceptional ability to develop excellent working relationships with delegate directors, parents, particularly those on the Policy Council, Community Organizations, Governing Board, peers, co-workers and the media. With this gift for connecting she has been presented over 50 workshops for local, state and national conferences.

Ms. Johnson joined Neighborhood House Association (NHA) in May 2006 as the Vice President of Children, Youth and Families. Since that time, she has been instrumental in implementing a comprehensive, unparalleled program monitoring and record-keeping system that is destined to become a national model. She has the outstanding ability to analyze a situation and implement best practices that improve services.

Prior to coming to NHA, she served as the Deputy Director of Head Start Children and Family Services for the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency; and as the Chief of Independent Monitoring Unit and AA/EEO Officer. She also served as a college professor at universities in California and Texas.

Ms. Johnson's community involvement includes serving as the past chair and member of the Sacramento Local Child Care Development and Planning Council; California Head Start Association Board of Directors, Head Start/State Department of Education Collaboration Advisory Committee, U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute Board of Advisors, ACF Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), Sacramento County Prop 10 Advisory Committee and is often called on by national and regional Head Start offices to evaluate Head Start programs.

Her awards and recognitions are numerous and prestigious, most notables include having a Head Start Center named in her honor and being the recipient of Sacramento County Child Care Provider of the Year Award Child Care Coalition, receiving a one-year Administrative Fellowship offered by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and a Proclamation given by SETA Governing Board for Outstanding Service to The Citizenry of Sacramento County.

Ms. Johnson received a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in History/Urban Affairs from California State University, Long Beach. She also studied Mathematics at the University of California, San Diego (Muir College).

Norma enjoys dancing, collecting dolls, being with family and friends and walking with the Lord.

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