Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer Johnson is a full faculty member, certified professional co-active coach and creative director with nearly twenty years of advertising experience, yet she still considers herself to be a student. She believes that constantly learning is critical to identifying opportunities to grow and contribute. And this philosophy has led Jennifer to evolve her own career into new areas.

Her advertising experience is wide and varied. Jennifer’s art direction career was launched at Ogilvy on brands like Nutrasweet and Sears. She was a VP/Creative Director at Leo Burnett on several Procter & Gamble and Kellogg brands. One campaign brought the Luvs brand from a flat share to a 14% share in only 6 months, winning the hearts of experienced moms and a few awards for P&G. As a Group Creative Director/ Senior Partner at Carmichael Lynch on Brown Forman wines, she introduced a new Australian wine to America. She also gained a bit of local notoriety, becoming one of the first female Executive Creative Directors in Minneapolis.

Jennifer’s educational background includes being an instructor as well as a student. At DePauw University, she studied political science and at the University of Texas at Austin she graduated with a B.S. in Advertising from Texas Creative. Her love of mentoring young talent and guiding experienced teams eventually led her into teaching. First, at the Miami Ad School and Minneapolis College of Art and Design in concept and strategy classes, and eventually as a full faculty member at the University of Minnesota, teaching strategy/account planning and creative development classes to advertising and PR students in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. She serves her students by teaching a full course load and the school as sole manager of the student ad agency, Backpack, (2019-2024). Jennifer was also an undergraduate committee member who worked to redevelop the program plan for strategic communications and outcome assessment. When she realized that many of her students were graduating without a professional plan, Jennifer studied to become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Myers Briggs certified (MBTI). She continues to use her coaching and consulting skills to help students find their academic and career path. Please review her consulting business for emerging leadership, with particular interest in students: www.jjleadershipcc.com

In 2017, Jennifer decided to return to school as a student, instead of just an instructor. She completed a MA-ODL in May, 2019. Studying organization development combined with teaching, creative, and leadership skills gave Jennifer new strategies to design and deliver ideas that create intended outcomes. One of her most recent positive outcomes has been establishing and celebrating award-winning advertising ideas in the student division of The Show, at Minneapolis Ad Fed. Jennifer also piloted a creative development program for aspiring advertising professionals called MN+folio. It was very successful and it hopes to become a creative training collaboration with the Minneapolis Ad community.

Jennifer’s continues to build on her experience and knowledge an expert in advertising, higher ed, coaching, and organizational development. This evolution of learning brings a new opportunity to students and emerging leaders. She has created award-winning advertising for million dollar brands and she has fought for an interesting brand of student as a member of the admissions board for the HSJMC. Jennifer believes that every single person brings their own story to their path. And it is up to someone like her to help them realize their own success starting with a great education.