Connect with Jason
• Email Me or Poke Me
• Interview Me
• Send Group Invite
• Add To Favorites
• Block This Member
• Send Friend Request
Uploads
Upload Content | Show More  
Connections
more-->  
Recent Visitors
more-->  
More Members
more-->  
Q&A With Jason Johnson

(interview me)
Jason Johnson
Vice President, Media Relations, 617MediaGroup
Location: Boston, MA United States
Joined: Aug 23rd, 2008
About   (request update)
Vice President (Media Relations & Strategy) at 617MediaGroup.

During my journalism career I've won multiple awards, including, Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism, National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence, Emmy and Hearst award. Staff writer and editor at The San Francisco Chronicle, Dallas Morning News, Boston Herald, and The Duluth News Tribune.

Then transitioned to public relations, as Deputy Press Secretary with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Association; Director of Communications with UAspire; and Vice President with 617MediaGroup.
My Interview Question
What did you like most about attending an HBCU
Life & Professional Aspirations:
Making a difference in the world. Helping others and helping my people.
Education   (request update)
Howard University class of 1990
Undergrad Major: Journalism
Claim To Fame:
Served as Sports Editor at the Hilltop Newspaper. Was awarded two William Randolph Hearst Journalism Awards while at Howard for Editorial and Feature writing.
Most Memorable Moment:
The friendships made. Realizing how much black history I was never taught in high school. Meeting and interviewing folks like Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson and Washington Redskin Darrell Green.
Trinity Univ class of 2010
Grad Major: Teacher Education
Experience
I currently work with 617MediaGroup as Vice President, Media Relations
I have 34 years of experience working in the Publishing industry.
Vice President, Media Relations & Strategy | 617MediaGroup
From August 2020 to Current • 6 year(s)
 Expert counsel to progressive communications agency, executing national campaigns for labor, healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform clients.
Writer / Tech Writer | Freelance Writer/Editor
From September 2007 to Current • 19 year(s)
 Wrote freelance articles for magazines and newspapers, developed content for education websites.
Director of Communications | uAspire
From July 2017 to June 2020 • 3 year(s)
 First-ever head of media relations for national nonprofit focused on college affordability, doubled news story coverage during tenure.
Community Relations Liaison | MBTA/MassDOT
From December 2016 to June 2017 • 1 year(s)
 Responded to daily emergencies and served as spokesperson for Transportation Secretariat with media and interest groups.
Deputy Press Secretary | MBTA/MassDOT
From June 2015 to December 2016 • 1 year(s)
 Assisted with daily media inquiries and breaking news, prepared remarks and news releases for General Manager.
Assistant Managing Editor | The Duluth News-Tribune
From September 2013 to February 2015 • 2 year(s)
 Supervised all aspects of news operation including staff of more than 60 reporters, photographers and editors.
Adjunct Faculty | Northwest Vista College
From August 2012 to August 2013 • 1 year(s)
 Taught classes in media writing and communications.
Journalism Adviser | William J. Brennan High School
From August 2010 to June 2012 • 2 year(s)
 Oversaw production of school newspaper and yearbook, taught introductory journalism and photojournalism classes.
Co-chair / Writing Coach | New England High School Journalism Collaborative
From June 1993 to July 2011 • 18 year(s)
 Volunteer role organizing and directing UMass Boston High School Journalism Program serving minority and general high school students.
Lecturer | Trinity University Department of Comm.
From August 2008 to May 2009 • 1 year(s)
 Taught classes in public affairs reporting and reporting/news writing for multiple platforms.
Staff Writer | The San Francisco Chronicle
From November 1997 to August 2008 • 11 year(s)
 Demographics and City Hall reporter producing national award-winning enterprise stories on race, health and demographic trends.
Lecturer | San Francisco State University
From January 2007 to May 2007 • 0 year(s)
 Taught journalism news writing class focusing on reporting basics and online journalism.
Staff Writer | The Boston Herald
From January 1993 to November 1997 • 4 year(s)
 Covered education, police and medical issues including Big Dig construction project and affirmative action.
Staff Writer | The Dallas Morning News
From January 1991 to December 1992 • 1 year(s)
 Covered Dallas Police Department, education and local government in Mid-Cities region.
Intern | The Philadelphia Daily News
From January 1990 to December 1990 • 0 year(s)
 Reporting internship.
Intern | The Minneapolis Star Tribune
From January 1990 to December 1990 • 0 year(s)
 Washington DC Bureau internship.
Intern | The Chicago Tribune
From January 1989 to December 1989 • 0 year(s)
 Washington DC Bureau internship.
Intern | The Los Angeles Times
From January 1989 to December 1989 • 0 year(s)
 Washington DC Bureau internship.
Intern | The Federal Trade Commission
From January 1988 to December 1988 • 0 year(s)
 Washington DC Bureau internship.
Intern | The Patriot Ledger
From January 1988 to December 1988 • 0 year(s)
 Reporting internship.
Intern | Governor Michael Dukakis
From January 1987 to December 1987 • 0 year(s)
 Government internship.
Intern | U.S. Senator John Kerry
From January 1987 to December 1987 • 0 year(s)
 Government internship.
My Groups
Invite Me To A Group
Guestbook Comments
more-->
Member Login
Email:
 Password:

Not a Member? Sign Up - It's FREE
You'll receive access to our Newsletter, Scholarships, HBCU Profiles, Jobs, Internships, Mentors, Member Profiles and more!
Upload Photo:
First Name:
 Last Name:
Email:
 Password:
Location:
College:
Major:
Graduating Class:
Featured Jobs & Internships

vedp
Sales Engineer I in Virginia Beach, Virginia, VA

TFC Poultry
Human Resources Manager in Winchester, VA

The Lego Group
Senior Manager, Energy & Sustainability Specialist in Richmond, VA

Front Range Community College
Faculty, Health Professions in Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College
Faculty, Engineering in Fort Collins, CO

Front Range Community College
Faculty, English in Fort Collins, CO

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP In Person Career Expo in Dayton, OH – May 12-14 in Nationwide, US

Seeds of Caring
Program Coordinator in Indianapolis, IN

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Office of Information and Technology Virtual Career Expo - April 30​ in Nationwide, US

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Electrical Design Engineer in Bristol, Virginia, VA

Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Operations Manager in Bristol, Virginia, VA

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Marine Interdiction Agent Recruitment Webinar – May 19th in Nationwide, US

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP Officer Recruitment Webinar – May 7th in Nationwide, US

Natural Habitat Adventures
Inclusive Pathways Internship Opportunity in Louisville, CO

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Border Patrol Agent Recruitment Webinar – May 5th in Nationwide, US
Subscribe!
HBCU CONNECT
Follow Us!
Facebook Instagram Bluesky YouTube Flickr LinkedIn
Featured Members