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Trustee

St. Joseph, Michigan
Term ends 12/31/2026

Debra Johnson is a healthcare executive with more than three decades of experience in nursing, patient experience, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career with Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals, she has led strategic initiatives focused on enhancing patient and employee experience, strengthening organizational culture, and improving operational excellence. Her leadership has included the development and implementation of strategic plans, major organizational initiatives, quality improvement efforts, and regulatory accreditation processes.

Debra earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DePaul University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Her combination of clinical expertise and executive leadership provides a unique perspective on collaboration, innovation, and service to the community.

A dedicated community leader, Debra has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles throughout Southwest Michigan. She previously served on the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education and as Board Chair of both the Niles Main Street and Downtown Development Authority and the former Niles Four Flags Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, where she continues to serve as a member. She also serves as the Chair of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and represented the organization on the Michigan Senior Advisory Council, including two years as Chair, where she worked with state leaders to advocate for issues affecting education, healthcare, workforce development, and services for older adults.

As a Trustee of the Â黨ÐÇ¿Õmv Board of Trustees, Debra is committed to advancing student success, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring access to high-quality education that prepares students to meet the evolving needs of the region's workforce. She believes collaboration, lifelong learning, and service are essential to building stronger communities.

Debra resides in St. Joseph and has proudly called Southwest Michigan home over 30 years.