
Christopher W. Johnson
Vice Chairman
Biography
CHRISTOPHER WOLD JOHNSON, a fourth-generation member of the founding family of Johnson & Johnson, has overseen pivotal changes within the organization, appointing the team's football and business management. A key part of the New York Jets leadership since 2000, Johnson begins his second season as vice chairman, working alongside his brother, Chairman Robert Wood Johnson.
In his new role, Johnson will provide continuity after overseeing the promotion of team President Hymie Elhai, and the hiring of General Manager Joe Douglas and Head Coach Robert Saleh in his time as chairman & CEO. In these three, Johnson is confident he found collaborative leaders who will unify the Jets in their shared goal of a sustained, winning franchise.
Previously serving as the Jets chairman & CEO (2017-21), Johnson has spent the past four years developing a strong bond with the players, working closely with them to advance the programs and initiatives they deem important. In 2020, Johnson addressed the team and discussed how they all—Johnson, coaches, executives, and players—could use their powerful platform to influence positive change.
To support this goal, Johnson and the Jets donated $1 million to four partner organizations in December of 2020, with each organization—All Stars Project, Innocence Project, New York Urban League and Year Up—receiving $250,000. These organizations mirror the Jets' and Johnson's focus on education, community/police relations, criminal justice reform, as well as other initiatives, including reducing poverty, racial equality, and workforce development. The players, coaches and staff will continue to work to reduce barriers and create opportunities for individuals in need on various upcoming volunteer projects championed by the organization.
As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson, his family, and the Jets donated $3 million to support those in need in the New York and New Jersey areas. In March of 2020, they pledged $1 million to support the United Way of New York City's COVID-19 Community Fund, the United Way of Northern New Jersey's ALICE Recovery Fund and the United Way of Long Island's United Together: A Response Fund for COVID-19. A month later, they donated $2 million to organizations focused primarily on food insecurity, first responders and regional relief.
Johnson currently serves as an active member of the NFL's Media Owned and Operated committee.
A dedicated advocate of autism research and awareness, Johnson works closely with the Johnson Center for Child Health & Development. Named for his mother, the late Betty Wold Johnson, the Center aims to advance the understanding of childhood development through clinical care, research and education, as well as raise awareness on Autism Spectrum Disorder and identify medical research to unlock better treatments for children and young adults affected by this condition.
Johnson is also active in various educational endeavors and local philanthropy, supporting a range of initiatives, including charter school construction, as well as encouraging public discourse and exchange of ideas through debating societies.