Pelosi Names Cheryl Johnson New Clerk of the House of Representatives
Johnson's service to the U.S. House of Representatives includes her ten years as the chief education and investigative counsel for the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where she advanced justice and fairness in elementary and secondary education, juvenile justice, child nutrition, labor issues and older Americans' employment and nutrition programs. Previously, she served as staff director and counsel for the Committee on House Administration's Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials and then Subcommittee on the Post Office and Civil Service.
At the Smithsonian, Johnson promotes and strengthens the Smithsonian's relationship with Congress, the Executive Branch and federal, state and local governments. Previously, she served as chief of staff to the director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, providing strategic counsel to the museum's leadership and staff on a broad range of initiatives. Prior to that role, she served as senior government relations associate in the Office of Government Relations at the Smithsonian.
"Cheryl Johnson embodies commitment to public service," said Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi. "She has dedicated her career to defending and strengthening many of the most important and cherished institutions of our democracy, and we are thrilled that she will be returning to the House of Representatives, where she served with distinction and honor for many years. Johnson's vast experience, strong leadership and management skills and deep dedication to this body will be vital in ensuring that, as Clerk, the House has the support and tools to carry out our legislative responsibilities to the American people."
"I am honored to return to this trusted institution," Ms. Johnson said. "To be appointed by Speaker-designate Pelosi is powerful and inspiring. I look forward to serving in this new role and am committed to a fair and effective legislative process."
A native of New Orleans, Johnson lives in Maryland, and holds a Juris Doctorate from the Howard University School of Law. She is a member of the District of Columbia and Louisiana Bars, the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Board of Trustees and the Faith and Politics Institute.
Johnson will replace the current Clerk, Karen Haas, who has served with great dedication and distinction for the past eight years, and in her previous roles under past Speakers and Leaders of the House.