Jon-Paul “J.P.” Johnson is a veteran public policy administrator and dynamic team leader and strategist. A proud St. Louis University High School and St. Louis University alum, J.P. began his political career in 2008 as a field organizer for the Missouri Democratic Party, which included working for Governor Jay Nixon’s Gubernatorial campaign, the Obama for America campaign, and then-Congressman Russ Carnahan’s 2010 re-election campaign.

In 2015, former Mayor of St. Louis, Francis G. Slay, appointed J.P. to oversee board and commission appointments and act as a liaison to the St. Louis Board of Alderpersons, the Planning & Urban Design Agency, and the St. Louis LGBT community. J.P. has also proudly served the Offices of Congressman Lacy Clay, Comptroller Darlene Green, and License Collector Mavis T. Thompson, Esq.

In 2022, J.P. moved into the private sector as Director of Venture Café St. Louis. Best recognized for their Thursday Gatherings at Cortex Innovation Community, Venture Café St. Louis’s programming had been known since its early days for its tech and start up focus. As Director, J.P. worked to build a more inclusive Venture Café after the COVID pandemic.

J.P. currently directs the Government Relations and Community Engagement department for Beyond Housing. Located in the 24:1 footprint in North County, this community is anchored in partnership with a defined purpose to stabilize its jurisdictional footprint, invest in its residents, and grow as an ecosystem to ensure its residents are able to live, work, thrive, and be happy in the years ahead.

J.P. also serves as a member of the Alltru Credit Union Community Development Advisory Board, and on the Board of Trustees of the St. Vincent Home for Children.