JOHNSON’S DRAGON STORY

With the field of information technology growing each day, many within the industry are looking to debunk the old stereotype that working in IT is impersonal and solitary. In fact, many are striving to showcase the industry for what it truly is –a thriving network of people who prioritize collaboration and innovation to solve the problems of businesses worldwide.

This is exactly what TU graduate Chaderick (Chad) Johnson hopes to accomplish through his work at the Intel Corporation. Chad is Intel’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Director for Ohio and part of the Global Inclusion and Social Impact organization. His responsibilities include establishing a diverse and inclusive workforce for the soon-to-be New Albany, Ohio Intel site, as well as helping the company achieve its RISE 2030 goals. Through this initiative, the company hopes to reduce its global manufacturing and supply chain footprint, as well as advance product energy efficiency.

“Yes, the field is called information technology, but there’s much more to it than the tech side of things. In order for places like Intel to serve their clients effectively, they need to dedicate time to building genuine relationships and understanding their unique goals, and this doesn’t happen overnight. Businesses also value employees who work to develop their soft skills. Being able to collaborate with peers from across the globe and with those who aren’t technical professionals is essential in today’s technology-driven world.”

In addition to shifting the public opinion on what people in the field do, Chad is equally passionate about cultivating environments where people of all backgrounds are celebrated and comfortable, as strong professional networks and relationships encourage effective communication, synergy and yes, even productivity.

“My role is a bit unique in the sense that it requires me to focus both on strengthening Intel’s internal culture for the Ohio location, as well as our relationships with external parties and other organizations across the country,” he offered. “I collaborate with local entities, workforce partners, K-12 institutions and other D&I professionals to strengthen Intel’s brand – all for the purpose of creating an atmosphere that benefits our current and future workforce.”

Chad also partners with Intel’s talent acquisition lead to develop and implement strategies that diversify applicant pools for job vacancies and streamline recruitment processes. Once candidates are hired, Intel believes in empowering these traditionally underrepresented groups and voices. One way they achieve this is by offering over 40 unique employee resource groups to their constituents, where employees are encouraged to continually learn about the cultures and experiences of their peers and others. Additionally, Chad works to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion-based practices are built into new company initiatives from the beginning, instead of being included as an afterthought.

“I want to make sure everybody at Intel feels that they belong and can have long, fulfilling careers with us,” Chad continued. “I also want K-12 youth to know that opportunities at Intel are for them and not just a select few.”

Chad attributes much of his passion for his current field to his former TU mentors and recalls his time spent as a student fondly.

“Coach Croy and Lisa Kirchner were instrumental in helping me reach my true potential, both in terms of sports, leadership and confidence in my own abilities. They were my biggest advocates, and I didn’t even realize it at the time. Now, I want to do all I can to advocate for others – take what they modeled for me and apply it to my career.”

Chad also asserts that the education he received as a Dragon more than adequately prepared him for his career.

“In addition to a top-notch academic experience, I would say much of what I did outside the classroom still ended up contributing to my ability to succeed in IT,” Chad offered. “Being a resident assistant enhanced my communication and collaboration skills and taught me how to effectively mediate conflict. Being a student-athlete helped me develop my selfdiscipline and time management skills and taught me how to work through adversity.”

Speaking of being a former collegiate athlete, Chad also happens to be a 2021 recipient of the Carry the Torch Award. The award is given annually to former track or cross country runners who exemplified a dedication to excellence as a student and continues to do so as an alumnus.

“It wasn’t at all expected, but appreciated more than words can describe,” said Chad. “Getting recognized for my track achievements actually got me thinking. As a student, I knew I was an above average athlete, but never thought I would receive any sort of award for it. The second I stepped on campus as a freshman, my coaches pushed me to go from good to great. It was the same with my academic coursework. I remember my professors would always give me advice on how to improve my papers or presentations and push me to excel academically. That’s what the people at TU do – they challenge you to achieve more than you ever thought possible. It’s a philosophy I try to model now, working in human resources and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).”

When asked about his overall experience on campus, Chad had this to say:

“I’m forever grateful to Tiffin University. Not only was I afforded a quality education, but I was able to meet my wife, as well as several lifelong friends while I was enrolled. I loved every second spent both in and out of the classroom. I owe this institution so much for preparing me for the professional world and for introducing me to the people who would prove most influential in my life.”

Chad and his wife, Bridgett Johnson, have three children together and currently live in Findlay. Bridgett graduated from TU in 2010 with a BA in history. She currently works as a high school social studies teacher.

“Chad Johnson is the epitome of an all-around Tiffin University student. He was successful socially, athletically and academically at the high school and college levels and continues to excel in his career and fatherhood. We adore the entire Johnson family (Chad, Bridgett, Camden, Bennett and Weston) and are honored to call them Dragons.”

– Jeremy Croy, Assistant Vice President for Development

Chad attended TU from 2004 to 2008 and graduated with a BBA in management information systems. He later went on to receive an MBA in 2012. He began his career at Marathon Petroleum as an IT Systems Integrator, before moving to internal auditing and IT business analyst work. Eventually, a former mentor suggested he join the world of human resources. The rest is history.