Hailing from the Midwest, Bill Johnson came to Miami as a young man and, today, the fingerprints of his work are present throughout the city. After a nearly 32-year career in Miami-Dade County government, Mr. Johnson could write a book about local politics and its players. Not that he’d have much time to do it.
In recent years, Mr. Johnson has worked as manager of the county’s two top economic engines – Miami International Airport and Port Miami.
Mr. Johnson has been involved in key county projects that helped make Miami what it is today, including the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the AmericanAirlines Arena.
Today, as he approaches the last chapters of his career, Mr. Johnson shows few signs of slowing down. As director of the seaport since 2006, he speaks passionately about major infrastructure projects that are aimed at catapulting Port Miami to an even higher level of cruise, cargo and related commerce.
He envisions a bold future for Greater Miami, in which the seaport acts as a crucible of business, job creation and economic growth.
“I’ve had the opportunity to serve this community for nearly 32 years,” Mr. Johnson said. “I’ve had the opportunity to not only grow professionally but to learn firsthand what Miami-Dade County is about and how beautiful of a community that it is.”
Mr. Johnson reflected on his career and discussed his plans for the future of the seaport and Greater Miami with Miami Today staff writer Scott Blake at his office at the seaport.