Justine Johnson has been appointed as the state’s chief mobility officer and head of its Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, effective Aug. 21.
Johnson succeeds Kathryn Snorrason as interim chief mobility officer and Trevor Pawl as the state’s first chief mobility officer.
The appointment is the result of a competitive six-month, nation-wide candidate search process, according to officials.
“It’s with equal parts excitement and honor to be joining Team Michigan to help this state continue making its mark on the future of mobility and electrification,” Johnson says. “We’re at a critical period in our nation’s history that requires a focus on people-centric mobility journeys, improving the distribution and movement of goods, and delivering a workforce that is prepared for future transportation and mobility jobs.
“Together, we will continue moving towards a future world where mobility innovation connects communities to housing, jobs, and economic prosperity for all.”
Johnson has more than 10 years of experience in external affairs, strategy, and government and community relations. Most recently, she was appointed to the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission to advise the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on the operations and development of the county’s five airports.
She also served as the director of member engagement at the California Mobility Center (CMC), a nonprofit that promotes commercial interactions with new mobility companies and industry-leading entities to deploy new products, programs, and services in clean mobility in California and beyond.
Previously, Johnson served as the head of mobility engagement for the SoCal/Southwest Region for Ford Motor Co. This position was a result of her tenure as Ford’s mobility strategist.
She also served as vice president of government and community relations for the New York City Economic Development Corp., managing government and community relations for former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s commuter ferry system.
Her impact on transportation initiatives within NYC, however, initially was established during her time with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission where she worked on the “Boro Taxi” project, also known as the Green Taxi program, which created a new for-hire vehicle and driver classification.
Johnson is a native of Los Angeles and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Hampton University in Virginia and master’s degrees in urban planning and public administration from the University of Southern California.
“The appointment of Justine will allow her vast background and experience in the expansive mobility sector to shine as we continue efforts to create a stronger state economy through safer, more equitable and environmentally sound transportation for all Michigan residents,” says Susan Corbin, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Justine will be a strong champion as we work together to strengthen Michigan’s economy and enhance communities across the state through responsive policy and dynamic programming that prepares Michigan for the future.”
The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification works across state government, academia, and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging technologies and businesses.
“Justine’s multi-modal experience will accelerate OFME’s ability to provide companies and policymakers with insights that position our state as an undeniable leader in the future of mobility and electrification,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
“Michigan continues to invest in our people, win transformational projects, and increase accessibility across both peninsulas. Justine’s national experience, proven track record of creative strategic collaboration, and powerful personal story of how mobility changed her life will help the Whitmer Administration, legislative partners, and all parties interested in mobility make sure greater mobility innovation occurs in Michigan.”
Since its inception in 2020, the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification has co-led 111 public/private partnerships that resulted in a new mobility technology or service being developed or offered in at least one Michigan community. In that time, the office has facilitated more than $485 million in mobility-focused revenue and initiated $163.5 million in follow-on funding for local companies.
On average, for every grant dollar the office has awarded to deploy a new technology in a Michigan community, $3,500 has been provided by industry as a match to sustain the deployment.
For more information, visit michiganbusiness.org/mobility.
