Award-winning marketer Jim Johnson has joined the Federation as its Director of Communications. Jim brings several years of experience managing communications and marketing for nonprofit organizations in Nashville and across the country, most recently with Harmony Foundation International.
Jim Johnson came to Tennessee as a marketing supervisor with Manheim Nashville, where he was awarded the Dale Carnegie Highest Award of Achievement in 2009. He then decided to pursue work with nonprofit organizations, beginning with the Nashville Ballet. While at the Ballet, Jim was awarded the Chief Marketing Officer Award by the Nashville Business Journal. He has worked with many arts-related nonprofits in Nashville, and is eager for this next step entering the world of conservation.
“The conservation work of Tennessee Wildlife Federation is of great interest to me. I feel fortunate to have been able to explore and enjoy much of what Tennessee has to offer,” said Jim. “And at this point in my career, I’m ready to step back to my roots in the outdoors and be a part of a team dedicated to ensuring Tennessee’s natural resources are protected for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to add Jim to our communications team and excited to see how he will help our organization grow. Coming from a different sector of nonprofit work, Jim has a lot of ideas to help us share our organization’s work with those who care about Tennessee’s wildlife and wild places.”
Kendall McCarter, chief development officer, Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Returning to His Roots
Originally from Michigan, Jim spent most of his childhood outdoors hunting, fishing, hiking, and even snowmobiling. Since moving to Nashville, Jim has continued to enjoy the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and going on nature walks in local parks.
Jim’s time spent hunting and fishing as a child was often a necessity, directly sourcing protein for his family to eat. His family would also help source protein for some of their neighbors who were unable to hunt or fish for themselves. Because of that background, the Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry and Hunting and Fishing Academy programs truly pulled at Jim’s heartstrings.
“I understand firsthand that hunting and fishing is more than just a hobby for a lot of people. It’s simply a way of life,” said Jim. “The mission of Tennessee Wildlife Federation is very personal to me. I am excited for this opportunity to play a role in connecting the next generation with the outdoors through the hunting and fishing, habitat conservation, and advocacy work of the Federation.”
