Meet Johanna
Johanna Reese has 30 years of government relations, public affairs, policy and communications experience in state and local government in the areas of public health, environment, social services and transportation, among others. Johanna spent seven years with the NC Association of County Commissioners where she led its legislative efforts, was a liaison to many executive branch agencies, analyzed complex policy issues affecting counties, and coordinated extensively with staff and elected officials on substantive and political matters. She also managed the association’s federal advocacy. Johanna began her career at the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources in legislative and communications positions, including working extensively with local health departments. Most recently, Johanna was Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the NC Department of Transportation. She oversaw the department’s legislative efforts, lobbied the General Assembly, worked on federal advocacy and communication, and was the lead contact with the Governor’s policy office. Previously, she was Deputy Commissioner at the Division of Motor Vehicles and NCDOT’s legislative liaison. Johanna is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations and political science. She has also completed the County and Municipal Administration course at UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Government.