Mr. Johnson is a retired Marine Officer who served in recon units, various training and education assignments, and oversight of Marine Security Guard units. Following his retirement, Johnson was a senior consultant, primarily with Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), in support of security cooperation, where he managed numerous large contracts. He also served as one of BAH’s ethics advisors.
“Zach Johnson is a superb addition to the Young Marines Advisory Council,” said William Smith, chairman of the board of directors of the Young Marines. “His Marine background includes assignments requiring not only incredible leadership skills but also a deep understanding of training and education, the operational centerpiece of any youth development program. He also brings corporate experience in ethics and risk management. The Young Marines program will greatly benefit from Zach’s leadership and experience.”
Johnson was born in Manhattan, New York City. Raised in Northern New Jersey, he attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences from Villanova University, he accepted a commission in the U.S. Marines. Designated an Infantry Officer, he served in Vietnam as Reconnaissance Platoon Commander and team leader earning the Bronze Star. In addition, Johnson was awarded the Purple Heart.
Throughout his 20-year career, he served multiple tours with the Third Marine Division on Okinawa in both command and staff assignments. Serving in supporting establishment postings, he developed significant experience and expertise in manpower, personnel, training, and education. Among the more visible positions were Officer in Charge of the school Marines attend prior to assignment to the State Department, and with the Strategic Analysis and Gaming Agency, Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Johnson earned a Master of Education from the University of Virginia. Upon retirement, he earned an MBA from Averett University, Danville, Virginia.
He then began a consulting career supporting the Marine Corps applying his MPT&E expertise to Research Development and Acquisition initiatives and force development of partner nations seeking to establish capabilities to interoperate with US forces in a coalition environment.
He managed numerous multi-million-dollar contracts with the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines, whereby he had personnel supporting offices in the Pentagon, major subordinate commands, and overseas locations. He received the firm’s highest award for demonstrating all aspects of the firm’s stated core values, and through a rigorous vetting process, was designated one of 45 Ethics Advisors within the workforce of over 22,000.
In the community, he served in the local school district as chair of the Principal’s Advisory Committee. This committee, comprised of school staff, parents, and community representatives, advised the respective school principals on pending financial decisions primarily associated with the discretionary spending of available funds.
As a Boy Scout adult leader, he had direct oversight of all actions at the troop level and served as the coordinator of adult leader training for the district.
A lifelong learner, Johnson has certifications in leadership and career coaching (BCC,) defense security assistance management (DISAM,) and information technology management (University of Denver.)
Well-respected in his industry, he has served as the Chairman of the Policy Management and Readiness, the Training Methodologies and Applications of Learning, and the Human Systems Integration Subcommittees of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference.