Honoring Joel Johnson's Board Service: A Decade of Steadfast Leadership
We offer our heartfelt thanks to Joel Johnson, who concluded his service on our Board of Directors at the end of June after ten years of extraordinary commitment, insight, and care.
Joel joined the board during a period of growth and transformation. Over the past decade, he helped guide the organization through two strategic plans – including The Safety Net Resiliency Initiative (2017 – summer 2024) and most recently our new strategic direction introduced last fall, which centers on building community power, leadership, and solutions.
During his tenure, Joel served as Board Secretary, Vice Chair, and ultimately as Chair, offering steady, principled leadership at every step. As Board Chair, he provided critical support to our President and CEO Emma Hertz, who stepped into her role in December 2022. Joel’s presence during the COVID-19 pandemic also stood as a testament to his deep care for our staff and mission as we responded to the challenges of that time.
Beyond his leadership roles, Joel brought invaluable expertise from his work as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Housing Authority. His perspective sharpened our understanding of the affordable housing and homelessness crises, reminding us of the structural barriers too many in our community face – and the urgency of our work.
Joel’s thoughtfulness, patience and belief in the power of people have left a lasting mark on our foundation. We’re deeply grateful for his service and look forward to continuing to learn from his example.
Thank you, Joel.
HealthSpark Board of Directors and staff visit Manna on Main Street for a tour of their Online Market Hub on March 19, 2025. Pictured left to right: Akshara Vivekananthan, Program Officer; Joel Johnson, Board Member and Past Chair; Sheldon Good, Manna on Main Street's Director of Development and Strategic Direction; Suzan Neiger Gould, Manna on Main Street's Executive Director; John Kepner, Board Secretary; Emma Hertz, President and CEO; Ann St. Claire, Board Member; and Janaa Pickard, Director of Finance and Administration.
HealthSpark Board Members and Staff at our Building Community Leadership Community of Practice event on March 28, 2025. Pictured left to right: Akshara Vivekananthan, Program Officer; Janaa Pickard, Director of Finance and Administration; Dr. Natasha Patterson, Board Chair; Joel Johnson, Past Board Chair; and Emma Hertz, President and CEO.
Pictured left to right: Joel Johnson, Past Board Chair and Pastor Michael Stitt, Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund Community Action Team member at HealthSpark's POWER Lunch on June 18, 2025.
Pictured left to right: Joel Johnson, Past Board Chair and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean at HealthSpark's POWER Lunch on June 18, 2025.
Pictured Left to right: Casey Fenoglio, Board Member; Janaa Pickard, Director of Finance and Administration; Congresswoman Madeleine Dean; Joel Johnson, Past Board Chair; Emma Hertz, President and CEO; Mydera Taliah Robinson, Board Member; and Akshara Vivekananthan, Program Officer at HealthSpark's POWER Lunch on June 18, 2025.