Chris Johnson is alive when he serves Detroit
Community service can have healing powers, and Detroit's Chris Johnson is proof. During an 80-day ordeal, when hospital staff some…
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FOUNDER TO THE PROFILE
Assistant Ombudsman, City of Detroit Office of the Ombudsman
“I attribute my success to my love for people and my faith in God. I overcame a severe COVID-19 infection with an 80-day hospital stay and lung damage, learning to walk again, which showed me that if I could get through that, there are no struggles I cannot overcome.”
Christopher Johnson serves as Assistant Ombudsman for the City of Detroit, Michigan, where he provides independent oversight and supports residents in addressing concerns involving city services. In this role, he investigates and helps resolve complaints related to issues such as taxes, water services, blight, and property matters, serving as an advocate for residents while promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability. His responsibilities include researching concerns, interviewing individuals, analyzing issues, maintaining records, and helping develop appropriate recommendations and resolutions. Before entering municipal government, Johnson built a career spanning more than 30 years in the medical field. He began as a sterile supply technician and advanced into positions as a medical assistant and X-ray technician after completing vocational training and certification. In 2008, he joined the Detroit VA as a health technician, further expanding his experience in healthcare and service to the community. His career has also included extensive civic engagement, including serving as president of the Bagley Community Council, a neighborhood organization representing more than 5,000 parcels. He has volunteered and worked with the Detroit Public Schools Community District as a Parent Outreach Coordinator and taught High School at a charter school. Johnson has served as a liaison for a county commissioner and as district manager for a state senator. Johnson's commitment to service extends to his professional, civic, and faith communities. He attended Highland Park Community College and is an ordained Elder with the Churches of God in Christ, and has served as a former board member of CDAD and participated in Toastmasters. He places a strong emphasis on integrity, compassion, and helping others, attributing his success to his love for people and his faith in God. His personal journey has further strengthened these values, including overcoming a severe COVID-19 infection that required an 80-day hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation to regain the ability to walk.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
I attribute my success to my love for people and my faith in God. I overcame a severe COVID-19 infection with an 80-day hospital stay and lung damage, learning to walk again, which showed me that if I could get through that, there are no struggles I cannot overcome.
The best advice I received is no matter what troubles you face, just keep doing the work that you do. I faced challenges politically and racially but was told don't give up, and I led the Bagley Community Council covering over 5,000 parcels, making it racially integrated.
I would tell them to find out exactly what they want to do in government and pursue it. There are good, honest people in government trying to make a difference, and I encourage young people to get into government as it needs more young minds.
The biggest challenges are having the resources to take care of issues, environmental concerns like dumping due to Detroit's stigma, speculators not maintaining properties, and homelessness. The rewards come from helping people resolve issues they've had for years, and our office has operated for 51 years but most residents are unaware of the ombudsman role.
Integrity is very important to me. People want you to do what you say and get it done properly. I do not believe in cutting corners, especially in government roles.
PERSPECTIVES
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