Karla Johnson, BA 1990 (Magna Cum Laude), MPA 2002 (Cum Laude), was appointed to the ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ Board of Visitors on July 1, 2026 by Governor Abigail Spanberger.
Ms. Johnson has been a Faculty Administrator for the State of Virginia at two public colleges in the Commonwealth - ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ and Norfolk State University. After working as a student in various departments at ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ, including the Physical Plant, Sports Information, Baseball, Recreational Sports, and assistant to the Director of Government Affairs, she began her professional career in University Relations as Director of Government Relations, Departmental Budget, and Major University Events; and she researched and gained approval from the Board of Visitors for the first Trademark Licensing Program at ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ, in cooperation with Athletics and the Collegiate Licensing Company.
Ms. Johnson, under the direction of the ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ President and Vice President for Finance, identified governmental issues of concern to the University, provided staff support for the President’s governmental relations activities throughout the year and during the General Assembly session, and provided casework responsive to the inquiries of Government officials. Ms. Johnson mentored and supervised numerous student interns during Virginia General Assembly Sessions in Richmond and during statewide bond campaigns. Under the Vice President for University Advancement, she also managed and supervised the financial resources allocated for the Institutional Advancement functions, including Alumni Relations, Development, Public Relations, Government Relations, Media Relations, Graphics and Admissions, to ensure their most effective utilization; and she supervised the staff for Major University Events.
After 21 years and four Presidents at ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ, Ms. Johnson accepted a position at Norfolk State University to serve on the President’s Cabinet as Chief of Staff and Agency Legislative Liaison in Richmond and Washington. She served as a line manager for five years in the administration and supervision of all operations for the Office of the President and Board of Visitors. Upon retirement she worked with the Rector at his home office to administer a presidential search; and later, at the request of the Board, consulted to transition the new president in government affairs and assist with the inauguration.
Among her many affiliations and associations Ms. Johnson has served on the Public Affairs Advisory Committee (SCHEV), Association of Collegiate Licensing Administrators, Virginia Business Higher Education Council Advisory Committee, Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, Association of College Events Directors, Strategic Planning Committees, and the Light Rail Commission (HRT).
Johnson and her husband, Mike, live in Williamsburg with their two rescue Standard Poodles. They have three children (two are ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ Alums), and three grandchildren (two are also recent graduates of ÑÇÉ«ÊÓƵ). Johnson is currently President of the Woman’s Club of Williamsburg (GFWC).