When it comes to public service, there are individuals whose commitment to excellence and dedication leave a permanent mark on their communities. Brian Johnson is one such individual whose remarkable journey from military service to local government management embodies the essence of leadership and service.
Brian started his military career as a Cryptologist in the U.S. Navy. He worked in different roles in naval intelligence, improving his skills in analysis, strategy, and leadership. Later, he joined the U.S. Army and became an Infantry Officer. He took on different leadership positions, including leading an infantry unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
During the conflict in Iraq, Brian developed a passion for local government. He led a civil-military operation in the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City, setting up a municipal government. Brian recruited, trained, and supervised personnel, aiding in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring services. Seeing the impact of local governance, he found fulfillment in helping others.
Brian is deeply committed to serving the public and found his true passion in local government management. He currently works as the City Manager of Peachtree Corners, where he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city’s government and for supervising all city-wide projects aimed at building an innovative and inclusive community.
With over thirty years of experience in executive roles, Brian has played a crucial role in leading transformative projects such as the Curiosity Lab, a city owned and operated 3-mile autonomous vehicle test track and 500-acre 5G-enabled living laboratory for emerging technologies. He has overseen every aspect of its development, from the beginning to its implementation, and his forward-thinking leadership has enabled groundbreaking initiatives in technology, partnerships, and international relations.
Today, Brian remains at the forefront of fostering public-private collaborations that drive progress and prosperity for Peachtree Corners and beyond. His dedication to service, coupled with his visionary leadership, continues to shape the trajectory of his community, embodying the ethos of selfless service and civic responsibility.
Below are highlights of the interview that emphasize the remarkable journey of Brian Johnson, a leader whose tireless commitment to building a better tomorrow inspires us all.
How did your experiences in the military shape your leadership style and approach to managing city affairs?
The leadership style and approach to managing city affairs that I have developed are deeply influenced by my military experiences. The rigorous training and diverse challenges I encountered in military service instilled in me qualities such as a strong sense of discipline and adaptability as well as fostered resilience and a capacity to lead under pressure, qualities that are indispensable in the dynamic environment of city management.
Additionally, the military’s emphasis on teamwork and the importance of each member’s role in accomplishing a mission have translated into my collaborative leadership approach to city management. This perspective motivates me to ensure that every department and individual within city administration understands their value and contribution towards our collective goals.
Furthermore, my military background helped to sharpen my strategic planning skills which now better enable me to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities for the city. This forward-looking approach is critical to ensuring that Peachtree Corners remains adaptable in the face of population growth, economic shifts, and technological advancements.
Finally, the leadership principles of honor, integrity, and accountability, which were at the core of my military service, now underpin my commitment to transparent and ethical governance. These values guide my decision-making processes and interactions with the community, fostering trust and respect between city officials and the residents of Peachtree Corners.
What inspired your transition from military service to city management, and what challenges did you encounter during this transition?
My transition from military service to city management was inspired by a desire to continue serving communities and making a positive impact on people’s lives. My experience of standing up a local government in Iraq, where I witnessed the transformative power of restoring basic government services to a community, ignited a passion in me for local governance and community development.
One of the main challenges I encountered during this transition was adapting to the different operational environment and decision-making processes inherent in local government. While the military operates within a structured hierarchy, local government requires collaboration, consensus-building, and navigating diverse stakeholder interests.
However, I find local government to be uniquely rewarding because it operates without the polarizing politics often seen at the state and federal levels. Instead, the focus is on delivering essential services and improving quality of life for residents. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to work directly with a community to make it a great place to live, work, learn, and play drove my transition to city management.
How do you prioritize the needs and interests of residents while balancing the city’s overall growth and development?
Prioritizing the needs and interests of residents while managing the city’s growth involves a multifaceted approach that emphasizes a number of important elements such as community engagement, strategic planning, technology and data utilization, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration with key stakeholders.
In preparation for making recommendations to city council, my staff and I assess each new development proposal based on its potential to benefit the community, weighing factors such as job creation, sustainability, and enhancement of public services and amenities. In balancing these individual proposals with the city’s growth objectives, we employ a comprehensive planning approach that integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations. This includes evaluating the long-term impacts of development projects on the community’s quality of life, infrastructure, and local economy. This approach ensures that development is not just economically beneficial but also socially and environmentally sustainable, contributing to the overall well-being of the Peachtree Corners community.
How do you foster collaboration and engagement among different stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and residents?
Fostering collaboration and engagement among stakeholders involves creating opportunities for dialogue, communication, and shared goal-setting. This includes regular meetings, town halls, and advisory boards where government officials, community leaders, and residents can exchange ideas and provide input. Since effective communication is the cornerstone of collaboration, it’s critical to regularly update stakeholders on initiatives and developments. Digital tools, social media, newsletters, and community meetings play crucial roles in this regard.
Perhaps the most important approach to fostering collaboration and engagement is to leverage the local community connections enjoyed by members of the city council. Elected officials often have deep ties to their constituents and can serve as valuable liaisons between the government and the community.
Their insights and connections can help bridge gaps and facilitate meaningful dialogue between various stakeholders. Incorporating council members into collaborative efforts also demonstrates a commitment to transparency and inclusivity. It ensures that their decision-making is informed by a broad range of perspectives and that the concerns and interests of all stakeholders are considered.
Additionally, involving council members in engagement initiatives helps build stronger relationships between local government and the community. This fosters trust and cooperation, which are vital for achieving shared goals and addressing community needs effectively. In Peachtree Corners, our active engagement of city council in collaborative and engagement efforts has resulted in strengthened partnerships, enhanced communication, and promoted a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance.
What values or principles guide your decision-making process in managing city affairs and addressing complex issues?
My decision-making process in managing city affairs and addressing complex issues is grounded in the values of integrity, transparency, accountability, equity, innovation, collaboration, and customer service excellence. These values help ensure that my decisions are made ethically, with a focus on serving the community’s best interests, fostering inclusivity, and promoting long-term growth and well-being. By adhering to these values, my decision-making process is a more balanced and thoughtful endeavor, aimed at continuing to cultivate the thriving community that is Peachtree Corners.
As a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, how do you draw upon your military experiences to lead and inspire others in your current role?
Drawing upon my military experiences, particularly those recognized by the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, my approach to leadership and inspiration is deeply influenced by the principles of selflessness, teamwork, and duty. The events leading to this award underscored the essence of leadership, which is to serve those you lead. The medal, while awarded to me, actually symbolized the collective valor and commitment of all the men in my unit and was a shared recognition of our combined efforts and dedication. This perspective has shaped my leadership style, emphasizing that success is a collective achievement and inspiring me to prioritize the welfare, development, and unity of my team over self. It reinforces in me the importance of humility, acknowledging that every achievement I accomplish and every accolade I receive is the result of collaborative effort.
How do you stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in urban planning and city management, and how do you incorporate them into your strategic vision for the city?
To stay informed about emerging trends and technologies in urban planning and city management, I engage in a continuous learning process that includes attending relevant conferences, participating in industry forums, and collaborating with research institutions and technology companies.
I also remain actively involved with Curiosity Lab, the city’s living laboratory for emerging technologies, which provides me direct exposure to cutting-edge innovations in IoT, mobility, and smart city technologies. This knowledge enables me to critically assess the potential of new technologies and trends for their applicability and impact on Peachtree Corners.
Incorporating these insights into the city’s strategic vision involves a collaborative approach with the city council, staff, stakeholders, and the community to evaluate and pilot promising technologies that align with our goals.
By fostering an environment open to innovation and adaptable to change, I am well positioned to ensure that Peachtree Corners stays at the forefront of urban planning and city management but also remains an economically vibrant and technologically innovative community for our residents and businesses.
Can you share a bit about your experience participating in leadership development programs such as Leadership Savannah, Leadership Gwinnett, and Leadership Georgia?
Participating in leadership development programs such as Leadership Savannah, Leadership Gwinnett, and Leadership Georgia afforded me a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities facing different communities across Georgia. My participation in these programs helped foster a deeper understanding of the state’s economic, social, and political landscapes, enabling me to apply these insights to help drive positive change in Peachtree Corners.
These experiences also enhanced my network, connecting me with some very smart people who share my passion for public service and community development. These connections have been invaluable and have provided me with a resource for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and problem-solving.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field of city management?
My advice to aspiring city managers is to focus on honing your leadership skills, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing the well-being of your team and the community. Emphasize effective communication, strategic planning, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of managing a local government. Build strong relationships with members of city council, city staff, and community stakeholders and seek to understand their needs and perspectives. Always remember to lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to serving the public good.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while navigating the demands of your role as City Manager and family commitments?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a City Manager could not happen without effective prioritization, delegation, and time management. However, the demanding responsibilities of the position make achieving this balance extremely difficult and I frequently fail at achieving it. When I do fail at maintaining a healthy balance, I have the understanding and support of my family, in particular my wife, to help me regain it.
My wife understands the demands of my role, so she is always available to offer emotional support, encourage open communication, and help establish boundaries between my work and personal life. When necessary, she takes on more household responsibilities as well as the initiative in scheduling leisure time together. Her unwavering support, understanding, assistance, and encouragement have helped me navigate work-related challenges and foster greater harmony between my professional and personal life.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations and how do you envision shaping the city’s future as a leader?
Looking ahead, my goals and aspirations include helping to shape the future of Peachtree Corners by focusing on economic development, innovation, and smart growth strategies. I envision leveraging initiatives like Curiosity Lab, a vital economic development “magnet,” to attract new businesses and investment to the city. Curiosity Lab’s role in fostering technological innovation has also positioned Peachtree Corners as a hub for cutting-edge industries, driving economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, I aim to establish a robust framework for managing the city’s response to the region’s population growth, ensuring that new development is managed responsibly and in a way that preserves the city’s unique character and high quality of life for residents.
This will include implementing innovative urban planning initiatives, investing in public infrastructure, and promoting mixed-use developments that promote walkability and reduce dependency on cars.
By leveraging smart growth principles, such as infill development and green space preservation, we can accommodate growth and minimize sprawl while maintaining Peachtree Corners’ reputation as a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
