Paula Johnson (She/Her)

Paula has had a passion for employment for people with disabilities for over 40 years and has experience in program development, job development, job analysis, career planning, staff training, marketing, and management. During her nine-year tenure at the University of San Francisco, McLaren School of Business, she directed California’s Supported Employment statewide training projects and led the California Corporate Initiative. She is the former National Director of Best Buddies Jobs and led the expansion of employment programs across the U.S. and Latin America.

Paula served as a program specialist with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center – Project SEARCH and assisted schools, employment agencies, funding agencies, and employers with the development of Project SEARCH training programs in 11 states and Canada. She has been an active member of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) for many years, which has included serving as the President of the APSE Foundation and a national Board member, leading the development of the Oregon APSE Chapter, and serving as the Treasurer of Oregon APSE.

Paula is now retired and living in Lake Oswego, Oregon.