Johnson leads MOHR through storms, to receive top award
The “Tip of the Spear” has been aptly described as the first to rise to the challenge, take meaningful action and persist in accomplishing the objective. MOHR’s 2020 award bearing this name goes to a person who kindly and firmly enters the arena to advocate for people with disabilities, Julie Johnson.
Serving as MOHR’s president for the last two years, little could she have known what COVID-19 would bring to an industry that was already facing substantial challenges. Service suspensions and ongoing constraints have placed immense financial challenges on MOHR members.
“Julie’s advocacy efforts on behalf of all disability service providers throughout the state have been nothing short of heroic,” said a group of disability professionals making one of two nominations. Interviewing with local media, writing countless letters to legislators, the governor and the Department of Human Services as well as the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Johnson fought for emergency grant funding to maintain the disability service infrastructure during the pandemic.
She is tenacious, dedicated and compassionate in her leadership, the group explained. “Julie works extremely hard, and rarely receives recognition,” they said. One colleague, in a separate nomination said, “You could not find a more competent, dedicated and true professional than Julie to carry this illustrious title.”
Robin Harkonen, director of East Range DAC and a Tip of the Spear judge, said Johnson is amazing in everything she does. “When asked- Is this a good time? - she always says yes. She is always available.”
Deflecting praise, Johnson said MOHR’s work is a group effort to keep up with member questions and requests, and that she thrives on being busy. “We have a core group of volunteers who work very hard to do that work,” said Johnson. “It could not be done by one person, for sure. You couldn’t do it. This year, there’s no way we could have done it.”
Johnson also serves as president of St. Paul-based MSS. She has a background in finance, serving for some 30 years at the nonprofit.
She said MOHR members have many differences, so she listens and takes everyone’s perspective into account. “That makes us all better,” she said. Each provider has ways of providing services that others can learn from, Johnson explains.
Transparency is a value that Johnson said is important, whether with her staff or fellow members of MOHR. There’s a need to maintain relationships to better support members, she said. Johnson stays connected to the Department of Human Services to represent members and positively influence decisions. There’s often a chance to find common ground among others on some topics, while disagreeing on others, Johnson explains.
“Minnesota does a good job of supporting, understanding and including people with disabilities,” said Johnson. “And valuing their contributions.” While financial challenges are always there, her tendency is to stay hopeful. “You have to continue to drive toward the end result you’re looking for.”
Making awards presentations on behalf of MOHR is one of her favorite roles. Meeting others, learning how people with disabilities are included in their communities. “You really see the impact, the boots on the ground, of all the work we do.”
Click to watch the award presentation by the MOHR Executive Committee.