Derrick Johnson
Drawing on a career rooted in education, counseling, and student support, Derrick Johnson helps organizations create environments where people can address concerns constructively, strengthen relationships, and navigate conflict with confidence.
About Derrick
Derrick Johnson is a member of MWI’s Ombuds Panel and has served as an Organizational Ombuds at Florida State College at Jacksonville since 2018.
He brings more than 15 years of experience working in education, student services, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, juvenile justice, and substance abuse services.
Throughout his career, Derrick has partnered with students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators to help individuals navigate academic, workplace, and interpersonal challenges while fostering more effective communication and collaboration.
Approach
Derrick’s background in education and counseling informs a people-centered approach to ombuds practice. He works with visitors to better understand concerns, explore options, and identify constructive paths forward.
He is particularly interested in helping organizations develop policies, practices, and processes that promote fairness, access, and meaningful engagement among stakeholders.
By combining active listening, coaching, and systems-level thinking, Derrick helps individuals and institutions address challenges while building stronger and more equitable organizational cultures.
Background
Prior to and alongside his ombuds work, Derrick served in a variety of educational leadership and counseling roles, supporting students and communities across a broad range of social and academic settings.
His experience includes management of student services programs as well as counseling work in substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, and vocational rehabilitation.
Derrick is currently completing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Innovation at the University of South Florida.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgia Southwestern State University and a Master’s degree in Education Counseling from Albany State University.
