Brian Johnson
About Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson serves as the Executive Director and Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at FS Investments. With a background in education and extensive experience in diversity initiatives, he focuses on fostering authentic relationships and driving cultural change within organizations.
Work at FS Investments
Brian Johnson serves as the Executive Director and Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at FS Investments. He has been in this role since 2022, focusing on fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Johnson is involved in various initiatives, including the FS Inclusion Council and Employee Resource Groups, which aim to enhance diversity within the organization. He advocates for the FS In Color group, promoting the development of people of color, and supports networks such as FS Heroes, FS Pride, FS Women’s Network, and FS Family Network.
Previous Experience in Education
Before joining FS Investments, Brian Johnson worked in the education sector for nearly two decades. He was a Social Studies Teacher at Cheltenham School District from 1993 to 2011. Following this, he held several roles at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School from 2011 to 2013, including Special Assistant to the Head of School and Faculty Hiring Manager. His experience in education laid the groundwork for his later focus on diversity and inclusion.
Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion
Johnson has held significant leadership roles in diversity and inclusion prior to his current position. He served as the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at The Philadelphia School from 2014 to 2020 and as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Children's Literacy Initiative from 2020 to 2022. In these roles, he developed training programs to enhance understanding of diverse perspectives and utilized data-driven strategies to improve organizational diversity metrics.
Education and Expertise
Brian Johnson earned a Master of Education (MEd) in Secondary Education and Teaching from Wake Forest University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the same institution. His educational background supports his expertise in creating authentic relationships and driving cultural change within organizations through a systems thinking approach.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Johnson is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within the workplace. He emphasizes the importance of authentic DEIB work as a core company value. His initiatives challenge biases and promote inclusivity for various groups, including military service members, LGBTQ+ colleagues, and women in financial services. Johnson's approach is characterized by a focus on operational excellence and rational decision-making.