Kathy Johnson will be coming on board as the new director of the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation on Sept. 3.
“I am delighted that I am able to return to San Benito County,” Johnson said, in a statement. “My hope is that I can support and expand the important services that Hazel Hawkins Hospital provides for my friends and neighbors.”
Johnson, a former 11-year-resident of Hollister, has extensive experience directing community foundations, according to a statement from Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
According to the hospital, she most recently served as CEO of the Shasta Regional Community Foundation in Redding for two years. Prior to that, her experience promoting community philanthropy spanned more than 25 years, according to the hospital.
Before her departure from the county, Johnson worked as community programs director for DMB-El Rancho San Benito, which was proposing to build a 6,400-home development off Highway 25. She also operated a consulting firm, Kathy Z. Johnson & Associates, which worked with individual donors, nonprofit organizations and private corporations to carry out strategic goals.
Prior to San Benito County, Johnson served as executive director of the Celebration Foundation in Celebration, Fla., and as vice president of Northland Foundation in Duluth, Minn.
While living in San Benito, Johnson was actively involved on the boards of the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of San Benito County, Leadership San Benito County and the Community Foundation for San Benito County, according to the hospital.
“We are pleased to have her join our staff,” said Ken Underwood, Hazel Hawkins CEO, in a statement. “As the hospital continues to expand its programs and facilities, funding from individuals as well as grants from private foundations and government sources will be key to our success. I know that Kathy has a great deal of experience in all of these areas.”
Johnson will succeed Leah Dowty, the former foundation director.
