Hudson County Community College has appointed Nicole Bouknight Johnson to serve as the college’s inaugural vice president for advancement and communications.
“The college sought a leader with stellar capital campaign and fundraising experience who shares a strong belief in the college’s mission, vision and values. Following a national search, we found that leader in Nicole Bouknight Johnson,” HCCC President Christopher Reber said. “We look forward to Nicole’s leadership for expanding philanthropic and grant funding in support of our students and the college’s mission. We are confident that Johnson will contribute significantly to promoting and sustaining best practices in everything we do.”
The Vice President for Advancement and Communications is a new position at HCCC. Johnson will report directly to Reber, serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and President’s Executive Council and provide leadership and support for the HCCC Foundation. She will also oversee the day-to-day operations of the college’s Office of Communications and Grants.
Johnson, who grew up in North Jersey, realized the power and importance of education as a child, and has dedicated her career to helping open the doors of educational opportunity for people of all backgrounds. She holds a master’s degree in college student personnel from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree in consumer economics from the University of Maryland at College Park. In addition, she is an alumna of the American Express Leadership Academy, the prestigious academy for nonprofit executives of promise.
Bouknight Johnson has 20 years of experience in all facets of fundraising, a strong history of organizational leadership and an authentically demonstrated and sustained allegiance to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
Prior to joining HCCC, Johnson served as National Director of Development and Communications for A Better Chance in New York city, a nonprofit that assists in opening doors to the nation’s premier, college preparatory schools for talented students of color.
She was also the Director of Individual Giving for New York Academy of Medicine, New York City; Director of Development for the Foundation of University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick; and Director of Major Gifts and Prospect Research for Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City.
“My unique blend of experience meets the moment, allowing me to provide a relatable, visible presence as a community ambassador for Hudson County Community College,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working in partnership with Dr. Reber, the college’s faculty, students, and staff, the HCCC Foundation Board of Directors and representatives from public and private institutions to successfully fulfill the goals of this office.”
