Deidre D. Johnson is a seasoned nonprofit executive and healthcare leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing health equity, strengthening community-based systems, and driving strategic innovation across the healthcare and philanthropic sectors.

As Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Center for African American Health, Deidre leads the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Colorado. Under her leadership, the organization has undergone a transformative evolution—expanding its programs, strengthening its infrastructure, and deepening its community impact. She has guided multiple strategic planning efforts that reshaped the organization’s business model, enhanced long-term sustainability, and increased access to culturally responsive care. Her work includes launching innovative initiatives such as a community-based health data panel, expanding family-focused programming, establishing a free clinic, and leading the acquisition and renovation of a permanent facility to support future growth.

Deidre’s leadership extends beyond organizational management into broader systems change. She has played a key role in shaping public health policy and advancing equity through numerous state and local advisory groups, including Colorado’s Maternal Health Task Force, Behavioral Health Task Force, COVID-19 Health Equity Response initiatives, and the Denver Racial Equity Council. Her work consistently centers on improving access, aligning systems, and ensuring that underserved communities are represented in decision-making processes.

In addition to her executive leadership, Deidre serves as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Denver, where she teaches courses in nonprofit leadership, organizational health, and fundraising strategy. She is also the former President of Sight Line Strategies, a consulting firm focused on strategic planning, facilitation, and program development for nonprofits and foundations.

Earlier in her career, Deidre served as a Program Officer at The Colorado Trust, where she managed a $19 million grant portfolio focused on expanding healthcare access for children. Her work contributed to increasing insurance coverage for tens of thousands of children and improving access to health, oral health, and mental health services across Colorado. She also led innovative grantmaking strategies and authored influential frameworks to guide statewide health initiatives.

Deidre holds a Master of Business Administration from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Princeton University. She has also completed executive leadership training through Cornell University’s Change Leadership program. Her leadership and impact have been recognized through numerous fellowships and programs, including the Aspen Institute, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Denver program.

She is an active community leader, serving on multiple boards and advisory committees, including Colorado Public Radio, the Rose Community Foundation, and the Yale Philanthropy Conference.

Deidre brings a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and sustainable impact, with a proven track record of building partnerships and advancing solutions that improve health outcomes for communities.