The nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization has named Derrick Johnson as interim president and CEO.
The NAACP’s unanimous decision, which went into effect immediately and makes Johnson the organization’s primary spokesperson, was made Saturday by the executive committee during the 108th annual NAACP convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
“I am thrilled to announce that my friend and colleague Derrick Johnson has been appointed to interim president and CEO,” Leon Russell, board chair, said in a statement. “I could not think of a better, more battle-tested or more qualified individual to guide the NAACP through this transition period. Derrick’s longtime service with the Association will allow him to take decisive action to deal with daily challenges.”
Johnson, a longstanding NAACP member, said it was an honor to assume his new post.
“[It’s] a privilege to be named the interim president and CEO of an organization that I’ve served for decades,” said Johnson. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and we won’t waste any time getting to it. We are facing unprecedented threats to our democracy and we will not be sidelined while our rights are being eroded every day. We remain steadfast and immovable, and stand ready on the front lines of the fight for justice.”
Johnson, who will serve in his new capacity until a new president is named, formerly served as vice chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors as well as state president for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP.
NAACP Names Derrick Johnson Interim President, CEO
