BRENDA JOHNSON

Brenda LaGrange Johnson served as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica (2005–2009) under President George W. Bush, following a career as partner at BrenMer Industries and an early stint teaching in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Her extensive board service includes the Kennedy Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Council of American Ambassadors, St. George’s Society of New York, and the Rose Town Foundation in Kingston. She also chaired the Women’s Board of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club and serves on the Laura Bush Women’s Council.

In 2019, Jamaica’s Prime Minister awarded her the Order of Distinction (Commander) for humanitarian contributions. In 2024, Rose Town Foundation received King Charles III’s King’s Foundation International Impact Award. She and husband Howard have 4 children and 12 grandchildren.