Donna Johnson is an American politician. In 2021, she became the first Black woman elected mayor of Libertyville, Illinois.[1]
The Honourable Donna Johnson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Mayor of Libertyville, Illinois | |
| In office May 4, 2021 – 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Mayor Terry Weppler |
| Succeeded by | - |
| Libertyville Board of Trustees | |
| In office 2007–2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Independent |
| Residence(s) | Libertyville, Illinois |
Early life and education
Johnson is the daughter of Carol and Donald Tyler Johnson.[2] Her mother was the Chair of the Civil Service Commission and Human Relations Commission in Evanston, Illinois; her father graduated from the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering but according to Johnson, was unable to find work as a chemical engineer due to segregation.[2] Her father worked for the Chicago Fire Department, eventually becoming a battalion chief.[2]
Johnson moved with her family from Evanston to Libertyville in 1979.[3][4] She completed a BA in political science from Michigan State University[5] and a JD degree.[6]
Career
Johnson worked as prosecutor in Cook County and Lake County before taking a position at Allstate as a corporate attorney.[2][7][8] She served for nine years on the Libertyville Plan Commission board of appeals before running for office, and worked to develop the business presence in downtown Libertyville.[3][7] In 2007, she was elected to the Libertyville Board of Trustees.[7] Her work as a trustee included serving as the chair of the Streets Committee.[8] In 2018, while serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, she advocated for a pay increase for elected officials to help increase the number of qualified candidates for office.[9] As of 2020, Johnson was also serving as Chair of the Advocate Condell Medical Center Governing Board.[8][4]
After serving 14 years as a trustee, she was recruited by the current mayor Terry Weppler and others to run for mayor.[3][2] She ran unopposed and was elected mayor following the election on April 6, 2021.[10] She was sworn in on May 4, 2021.[2][4] She is the first Black mayor in the city's 185-year history. Libertyville has a Black population of 1.3%, according to the United States Census Bureau, and she is the second woman and first person of color to serve as mayor.[3][11]
After taking office, Johnson announced her priorities as including a balanced budget, the development of the downtown business district, and the promotion of small businesses.[12] During her tenure, a local cannabis sales tax was enacted for Libertyville,[13] and $170,000 was awarded to local businesses through the Libertyville High Five Grant program.[14] In March 2022, she announced the sale of the Libertyville indoor sports complex to the Canadian firm Canlan Sports for $3.13 million; the village had been trying to sell the complex for years due to high debt payments.[15]
Personal life
Johnson is a member of the Proclaimer Ministry of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.[4][8] She has two children.[5]