A MINNESOTA NATIVE

Jeff Johnson is currently a St. Cloud resident who was born in Chisago City, MN. He previously lived in Minneapolis and moved to a hobby turned dairy farm in Winona. His family has deep roots in Stillwater and today, several of his relatives still make the "birthplace of Minnesota" their home. Jeff is a life long learner and recently achieved a "bucket list" item that he has dreamed about since farming in high school...obtaining his Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) to drive the big rigs. In 2021, Jeff took a break from teaching and took a driving job hauling pharmaceuticals to keep drug stores, clinics, and hospitals stocked with life saving drugs. He was affectionately called “a drug runner” but the good news is that the operation he was involved in was entirely legal and necessary. Afterwards, he drove a milk semi truck in central Minnesota. Jeff is equally comfortable and experienced working with both blue and white collar workers, An effective office holder MUST be student-like who is open to continuous learning from We The People in order to understand the issues and provide real world solutions.

ELECTED OFFICE

Jeff was initially elected to the St. Cloud City Council in 2010. He ran unopposed and was re-elected in 2014. In 2020, he was unsuccessful in his bid for a Stearns County Commissioner seat against a 29-year incumbent. He lost by less than 400 votes.

PRIOR BOARD SERVICE & APPOINTMENTS

• Area Planning Organization (APO)
• Radio Board
• Neighborhood University Community Committee (NUCC)
• Airport Joint Planning & Zoning Board
• Northstar Corridor Development Authority
• Economic Development Authority Board
• Stearns County Board of Adjustment
• Municipal Airport Authority Board
• School Board Member & Board Chair, K-12 Private School

EDUCATION

• Minnesota State Approved 160-Hour Truck Driving Certificate
• Vocational Diploma, Aviation Maintenance - Dakota Aero Tech
• BS in Aeronautical Studies, Minor in Political Science - University of North Dakota
• Master of Aeronautical Science (MAS) - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach campus)
• Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration - Bowling Green State University

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE & OTHER

• Commercial Driver License (CDL) - Class A (Endorsements: Tanker, Double-Triple, hazardous materials)
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) - Single & Multi Engine Land, Beechjet type rating
• Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane, Single & Multi Engine, Instrument Airplane
• Ground Instructor - Advanced & Instrument
• Mechanic - Airframe & Powerplant
• Certified Drone Pilot
• PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver & Rescue Diver
  • PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver
  • PADI Peak Buoyancy Diver
  • PADI Boat Diver
  • PADI Equipment Repair Specialist
  • PADI Night Diver
  • PADI Dry Suit Diver
  • PADI O2 Provider
• FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator
• Minnesota Real Estate License - Expired
• North Dakota Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Expired

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Community is very important to Jeff. Healthy families lead to healthy communities. Jeff’s wife has delivered seemingly countless babies over the years and has seen them grow up. They both are 100% unapologetically pro life starting at conception. Jeff was actively involved as a volunteer for Wednesday evening children's ministries. As an engaged parent with his children's school, he served as a full time teacher who taught middle and high school students. He volunteers time each week at the school. Jeff also volunteered as a teacher for the Youth Initiative Mentoring Academy (YIMA) in partnership with the Diversity Foundation.

PROFESSIONAL & ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE

Jeff is an inventor, former professional pilot, MS/HS/college experienced educator, and former business owner. He was previously employed as an airline ground instructor, airline & general aviation mechanic, corporate jet pilot, and a regional airline pilot. He is also an entrepreneur and received his first patent from the U.S Patent & Trademark Office in November 2015. Soon thereafter in March 2016, Jeff participated in the Inventor's Review (similar to Shark Tank) at the International Home & Housewares convention in Chicago.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Jeff's personal interests can be found in Minnesota's great outdoors. He enjoys scuba diving, boating, flying, ATV's, horse back riding, down hill skiing, target shooting, hunting, fishing, grinding his axe and cutting wood. By far, his favorite activity is simply spending time with family.

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