Chamber of Commerce Honors Brian L. Johnson

Brian L. Johnson, Vice President, MercyManhattan, was honored by the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce along with four other prominent African-American leaders at its annual Black History Awards breakfast held in Manhattan on February 28, 2019.

The honorees included Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, legendary Civil Rights activist and past national president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Major General Nathaniel James, former commanding general of the New York Army National Guard; Alphonso David, counsel to the governor, New York State Governor’s Office; and Denise Richardson, television and radio personality best known for her work on PBS and “Good Morning America.”

“It is extraordinary to be recognized with such distinguished African-American civic leaders who have labored in New York for far longer tenures than my own,” Johnson said. “It motivates me to make an impact on behalf of MercyManhattan to demonstrate my sincere appreciation for such a humbling recognition.”

During his speech, Johnson cited how he is deeply committed and impassioned at the prospect of delivering a quality education to a varied constituency in the heart of Manhattan. In addition to leading the 2019 expansion of the midtown campus, Johnson hopes to develop strong graduate, business, international, adult and continuing education opportunities to students for careers in New York and beyond.

“I see a microcosm of Manhattan on the MercyManhattan campus,” Johnson noted.

In thanking the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce for his award, Johnson commented on the critical importance of partnerships with civic and non-profit organizations and foundations whose focus is providing access and opportunity to students from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds.

For example, the Chamber has expressed interest in a potential certificate program for its members, and MercyManhattan students would benefit through exposure to the organization’s activities and member businesses.

“New York is the greatest stage in the world,” Johnson said. “We have all the elements to be successful here for a very long time, and I am excited about that possibility.”