3 minute read
Community Leader
MAKING MARK his
By Liesel Schmidt
As the mayor of Covington since 2019, Mark Johnson has seen the city through some of the most difficult times in recent history. Political unrest, economic crises, hurricanes, a catastrophic pipeline cyber attack, and a worldwide pandemic have all befallen the nation, impacting the cities at a cellular level that would challenge even the strongest leadership. Through it all, Johnson continued to focus on his mission of guiding the city he serves with strength, integrity, and courage.
Beginning in his 20s, Johnson became deeply involved in community organizations throughout St. Tammany Parish, dedicating himself to serving in ways that he felt would make a difference. First with serving as the president of the Northlake Mandeville Rotary Club and serving on the St. Tammany Parish Drainage District #3 as he oversaw the Bayou Chinchuba drainage basin, Johnson involved himself with as many local concerns as he could. He also served on the early boards of the Tammany Tigers as their treasurer as well as the St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control for several years, three of which were spent as chairperson. Additionally—and perhaps most notably—he was a founding board member of Leadership St. Tammany and served as the chairperson for five years and as a program director since 2002.
Through Leadership St. Tammany, Johnson immerses both existing and emerging community leaders in situations that teach them how best to lead and make needed changes. He teaches all aspects of commerce, education, and government within St. Tammany Parish and its municipalities and has helped ready over 600 leaders to go out and serve their communities.
Clearly, Johnson has a deep and abiding love of his parish and its people. He is passionate about the history, as well, and served as the president of the Covington Heritage Foundation, protecting and preserving the past. All the while, he is working to make the present community a stronger, safer place that is thriving—both now, and in the future. “I've always enjoyed being active in the community; and now that I’m retired, I cannot think of a better way to
spend my retirement,” says Johnson, whose professional career included time as a successful builder, pharmacist, and co-owner of a home health services company that he founded with his brother-in-law. “I am not interested in politics. I am interested in helping take care of my hometown. That said, the only office I ever ran for was mayor, and I won.”
The reason for his win was, in Johnson’s estimation, two-fold. “I'm a businessman and a storyteller, not a politician,” he says simply. “People appreciate that about me, and they know that what they see is what they get. I know what’s important to them, and I work hard to get it done.”
His goals while in office include facilitating the success of local businesses; improving drainage, traffic, sewerage collection, and wastewater treatment; and providing cultural events that “keep Covington one of the coolest cities in America.” So far, his greatest achievements have been rebuilding portions of the sewer collection system, upgrading the sewer plant, and doubling the number of police officers and having them engaged in the community. “I think my proudest accomplishment as mayor has been rebuilding the police department and seeing the difference those officers are making in our community today,” says Johnson.
Humility is a strong suit of Johnson’s; and throughout the many challenges that have arisen during his time in office—namely the pandemic, the cyber attack, and recovery from Hurricane Ida—he credits his ability to help his city to the people around him. “I am surrounded by so many wonderful, dedicated, and talented people,” he says. “Sometimes it's best to give them the tools, the resources, and the latitude to let them do what they do.”
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