In addition to his full time consulting work as President of WHJ Consulting, Bill Johnson also serves as the President of the World Strategic Forum, a think tank comprised of Fortune 500 CEOs and world-class experts created to facilitate dialogue, share corporate insight and foster collaboration with regard to the central issues affecting the world’s economy today. Over 1400 delegates from 60 countries, including Fortune 500 CEOs and world-class experts, participated in the 2019 Forum.
As Secretary of Commerce for the State of Florida/President & CEO of
Enterprise Florida, the state’s principal economic development organization, Bill’s mission was to facilitate job growth for the state through business recruitment and expansion; assist small and minority businesses through capital programs; and support Florida businesses in export and international trade. During his 35 year tenure with Miami-Dade County, Bill served in various executive-level positions including eight years as Director of PortMiami; and, as Assistant County Manager, he had oversight of a number of key County departments including the County’s largest economic engine, Miami International Airport. Bill also served as Director of the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department and has had management responsibility for several of the County’s largest infrastructure projects including construction of the American Airlines Arena and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center. As a government administrator, Bill earned a reputation as a key trouble-shooter, problem-solver and proponent of economic development. At PortMiami, Bill launched one of the most ambitious capital development programs in the port’s history, including public -private partnerships such as the PortMiami tunnel and the deepening of the port’s channel to accommodate the super-sized cargo vessels that began passing through an expanded Panama Canal in 2016. On the cruise side of the business, Bill presided over the largest expansion ever of new cruise brands and new cruise vessels solidifying PortMiami as the #1 cruise port in the world. In 2014, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez asked Bill to take over leadership of the Water and Sewer Department, where he launched an ambitious capital program to upgrade and expand Miami-Dade’s critical water and sewer system. A native of Akron, Ohio, Bill earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee and has served in a number of leadership roles in business, maritime and economic development organizations at the national and international levels including: Vice President, International Association of Ports and Harbors; Chairman, Florida Ports Council; Chairman, World Trade Center Miami Board of Directors; Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors Board of Directors; US Chamber Let’s Rebuild America Leadership Council and International Policy Committee; Federal Reserve Bank Trade and Transportation Advisory Council; Florida District Export Council; Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Governors; Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Circle; and Past Chair, Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce.
In March 2015, Bill was awarded the National Public Service Award by the American Society of Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration.