1.
Christopher L. Johnson
36 N Milton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
(312) 399-6261 | ChrisLJohnson05@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Public affairs strategy and execution professional with 12 years of experience in consumer products, re-
tail, non-profit, and government. Expertise in traditional and social media, reputation management, rapid-
response projects to mobilize supporters, lobbying, and communications. Experienced in handling elected
officials, senior executives, media, and public stakeholder involvement and relationships.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CREAM CITY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, Milwaukee, WI, June 2015 - July2016
A public affairs firm focused on developing solutions for small businesses including government relations,
community affairs, media relations and other marketing communication services.
Principal Owner: Responsible for client relationships.
• Developed campaign for client to increase membership new outreach and renewal. Result: Achieved
35% response rate and generated $4,000 in new revenue.
SC JOHNSON, Racine, WI, November 2014 - May 2015
A $9 billion global consumer packaged goods company.
Public Affairs Manager: Responsible for protecting and advancing corporate reputation.
• Edited and fact-checked articles on topics related to SC Johnson products for publication on the
Guardian and Mother Nature Network online media channels. Result: Increased public knowledge on
the subject tied to SC Johnson products.
• Edited blog posts written by the company’s “Base of the Pyramid” team for publication on the corporate
website. Result: Increased public awareness of the company’s collaboration with the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation to design and offer product solutions for impoverished populations impacted by high
rates of malaria.
• Reviewed requests for publications and employee presentations for external audiences. Result: En-
sured consistent company messaging, and protected confidential information.
UBER TECHNOLOGIES, Midwest North America, March 2014 - October 2014
An innovative transportation technology company.
Senior Public Policy Associate: Responsible for lobbying state and local governments directing con-
tract lobbyists in 16 states.
• Established relationships with local and state governments and business, community, and special inter-
est associations to advocate for Uber friendly laws in 16 U.S. states. Result: Secured 11 municipal
ordinances authorizing operation of the business, and defeated statewide bill that would have prohibited
operations in Illinois.
CHICAGOLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Chicago, IL, July 2010 - March 2014
An association advocating on behalf of member businesses.
Director of Advocacy and Communications: Responsible for execution of public policy and communi-
cations strategy. Led staff of 2.
• Lobbied elected officials to advance the Chamber’s public policy legislative agenda and defeat legisla-
tion deemed to be counter to membership’s best economic interest. Result: Delivered an improved
climate to conduct business to membership.
• Managed Chamber’s public relations through contacts with local and statewide media outlets, and up-
dated website and social media outlets. Result: Advanced chamber’s messaging to the general public
and increased visibility of the chamber’s influence.
• Wrote specialty external communications, including speeches and testimony for Chamber President &
CEO and editorial articles in support of business issues. Result: Expanded CEO’s reputation as a
leader on legislative issues impacting the business community.
• Secured annual $30,000 City of Chicago grants to design and advise survey of city businesses. Re-
sult: Influenced city public policy on interacting with small businesses, including the creation of a Small
Business Office and reforms to business permitting.
• Wrote the Chamber’s “Public Policy Advocacy” newsletter and member action alert emails. Result:
Increased member awareness of Chamber’s legislative activities and pending legislation that could im-
pact their business.
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2.
WALGREEN CO., Deerfield, IL, November 2007- July 2010
An operator of retail pharmacies in the United States.
Government Relations Coordinator: Responsible for supporting state and local government relations
department staff.
• Developed corporate policy and response to proposed government regulations on retail and pharmacy
issues, including prescription drug disposal and plastic bag collection. Result: Provided company ex-
ecutives direction on necessary action steps.
• Led project to secure City of Chicago permits, including approval of Aldermen and the Department of
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Result: Received permits for over 200 stores, decreased
permit citations, and resolved $250,000 in fines.
• Advised on and coordinated $23,000 in state PAC contributions, and $861,000 in state corporate con-
tributions to influence public policy deciders. Result: Ensured that political budget was effectively spent
with preferred outcomes.
ALDERMAN MANUEL FLORES, 1st WARD, Chicago, IL, February 2006 –October 2007
Director, Community Affairs: Responsible for supporting the Alderman as the liaison to the ward’s 12
neighborhood associations.
• Managed relationships with the 1st Ward business community and residents to assist in getting ap-
proval for permits. Result: Enabled local businesses to obtain necessary permits in a timely manner
and avoid delays in business operations and fines.
• Served as liaison to City of Chicago for the Alderman, including preparing ordinances and resolutions
and testifying before City Council Committees. Result: Advanced legislation, including parking zone
reforms, ward-wide street-sweeping schedule, and new developments leading to less government inter-
ference on residents.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, Chicago, IL, March 2003 – January 2006
A nationwide healthcare fundraising organization.
Grassroots Advocacy Coordinator: Responsible for managing ‘Smoke-Free Chicago’ coalition devel-
opment.
• Solicited business, community and public health organizations to endorse the campaign and lobbied the
City Council. Result: Secured passage of the 2005 Chicago Clean Indoor Air ordinance prohibiting
smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and bars.
• Organized grassroots training and activities, mobilized volunteers, and directed lobbying of elected offi-
cials in district offices and at the state capitol. Result: Delivered over 1,633 messages to elected offi-
cials, a 100% increase from prior year.
• Managed web development contractor to edit written and visual content of the Smoke-Free Chicago
website and campaign electronic newsletter. Result: Delivered effective electronic distribution of the
campaign’s messaging to the public and volunteers.
• Led grassroots lobbying on multiple legislative initiatives. Result: Achieved passage of the 2003 Illinois
Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, 2004 Illinois Patient Protection Act, 3 local clean indoor air laws, and
defeated repeals of cancer screening insurance coverage.
EDUCATION
MASTERS OF SCIENCE, PUBLIC SERVICE: LEADERSHIP AND POLICY STUDIES
DePaul University, Chicago, IL - June 2013
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
Illinois State University, Normal, IL – June 2002
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES & ASSOCIATIONS
BRADY STREET ASSOCIATION, Milwaukee, WI 2013 - 2016
Secretary, Board of Directors 2014 - 2016
NORTH AVENUE DAY NURSERY, Chicago, IL 2007 to 2016
Vice President – Board of Directors, 2009 - 2015
1ST WARD DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION, Chicago, IL 2006 to 2012
Executive Director, 2009 - 2012
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