Kelley Johnson
City of Rochester — Mayor's Office
With more than 25 years of professional experience spanning Human Resources, organizational transformation, project management, and community engagement, Kelley Johnson has built her career around bringing people together, navigating complex challenges, and turning strategic vision into meaningful, lasting impact.
Johnson’s career began in Human Resources, where she developed a strong foundation in organizational effectiveness, talent development, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership. She subsequently transitioned into a 13-year career leading complex government contracts and strategic initiatives supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, and Department of Education. In these roles, she leveraged her expertise in project management, change management, and cross-sector collaboration to drive organizational priorities, align diverse stakeholders, and deliver results in complex environments.
As an experienced Transformation Consultant, Johnson is passionate about using her leadership experience and strategic problem-solving skills to advance initiatives that improve systems, strengthen organizations, and create better outcomes for the people and communities they serve. Her professional journey has reinforced my belief that sustainable change happens when strategy is paired with meaningful community engagement, collaborative leadership, and a clear understanding of the people most affected by the work.
In this current chapter of my career, she has become increasingly intentional about pursuing Projects With a Purpose—initiatives that connect my professional expertise with her commitment to community impact. Most recently, Johnson led the Diverse Care Project in Rochester, New York, an initiative focused on educating and engaging the faith-based community around the importance of aging gracefully at home and understanding the role of home healthcare services in supporting older adults. This work reflects her commitment to building trust, increasing awareness, connecting communities to essential resources, and helping people navigate systems that directly affect their quality of life.
Johnson is energized by opportunities to bridge government, community, and organizational leadership to develop practical solutions to complex social challenges. She believes that effective public service requires listening to community voices, building strong partnerships, challenging traditional approaches, and creating solutions that are both equitable and sustainable.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Johnson is an avid world traveler who values experiencing different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. She is also a proud mother to her adult daughter, Kenadi, an incredible artist whose creativity and individuality continually inspire her.
Project
The City of Rochester, FUSE, and ROC the Future are partnering to establish a citywide Children’s Cabinet that strengthens coordination across the systems serving children and families. FUSE Executive Fellow Kelley Johnson will design and launch this governance structure, aligning city agencies, community partners, and data systems around shared outcomes. The work builds on Rochester’s nationally recognized cradle-to-career partnership. Over two years, it will create lasting capacity for coordinated, data-driven action that improves outcomes and reduces disparities for Rochester’s children.