A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Levon Johnson 

Although it might not have been his original plan, Levon Johnson made the transition from being an educator of nearly three decades to becoming the president and CEO of the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce. Taking the job was a no-brainer for the proud Elkhart native. 

He has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree to prepare him for what he does. Johnson graduated from Elkhart Central High School before attending Indiana State University (ISU). He continued his studies at Indiana University South Bend, earning degrees in secondary education and secondary-school leadership. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator within Elkhart Community Schools, but now has made a shift in how he impacts others. 

“I loved every second of the 25 years I was in the schools, especially the impact on young people and the community,” Johnson said. “As the supervisor of corporate community partnerships, I worked with businesses, not-for-profits, and community development groups. Coming to the chamber was an opportunity to have a bigger impact on the community.” 

In the seven-plus years he’s been at the chamber, Johnson feels no day is the same as the next. He works consistently with others to collaborate and engage with folks in the community to make the best impact possible. His work supports businesses and community initiatives. 

Johnson walks alongside his professional colleagues, helping them reach their goals. He supports entrepreneurs, collaborates with business owners, and motivates individuals looking to form connections with the chamber. His relationship-building skills transferred well from his old role to his new one. 

“What I find most enjoyable are the people looking to grow and expand or the people thinking about challenges. I tell our staff all the time, ‘Our goal is to be everyone’s degree of separation,’ and you do that through building relationships. It was at the core of what I did in education, and it’s at the core of what I do now, which is the part I love the most,” Johnson said. 

Johnson understands what it takes to excel as part of a team. He’s working to serve not only community members, but also the professionals on his team.

“The challenges we face are the unexpected things. Consistency matters, and it allows you to plan and not have to deal with the unknowns, but that’s just not the world we live in,” Johnson said. “I have an amazing team around me, and I have since I got here. Most importantly, the beauty of our chamber is our power to convene and talk to the people we assist.” 

Johnson also hasn’t forgotten those in his family who came before him. Close relatives walked similar paths to the one he has, and he’s taken their stories as tales of inspiration. Originally, he wasn’t studying to become an educator, but life took a different turn for him. 

“My grandmother was a teacher, my mom was a teacher, and my dad was an administrator. Quite honestly, all of that had me going away from education at first. I wasn’t going into the family business,” Johnson said. “I had a chance to help students while I was at ISU, and then I changed my major to education because I felt that was the right thing for me to do to give back the same things I was afforded growing up.” 

What Johnson likes to do most in his free time is hike and he loves being out on the trails. He’s on a mission to visit national parks, take advantage of state ones, and enjoy those located locally. Spending time with family takes up most of his leisure time, as it brings him the most fulfillment. 

The diverse characteristics of the Michiana area appeal to Johnson.

“I love the diversity of this area—the diversity of thought, the diversity of action, and that people genuinely are engaging with one another. I absolutely love this area for those reasons, as well as the connectivity that brings,” Johnson said. “I also believe we have some of the best big-small towns around. The amenities rival larger metropolitan areas. There’s just so much that’s here.”