Meet Oakland’s Next Administrator, Jestin Johnson

The nationwide search for Oakland’s next administrator has concluded with the selection of Jestin Johnson, a local government veteran from out of state.

Mayor Sheng Thao announced Johnson’s selection on Wednesday. He still needs final approval from the City Council, which is expected May 16. His start date would be June 5.

“Jestin Johnson has an exemplary record working with cities, organizations and residents to elevate services, address concerns and bring people together,” said Mayor Thao. “We spoke with leaders from across the country for this role and it was clear Jestin has the right combination of experience, compassion and collaboration needed to help us improve services for residents and make City government more effective and efficient.”  

Johnson called the Oakland Administrator’s position “a dream job.”

Johnson most recently worked as IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager. Before that, he served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer in Atlanta, Georgia; Assistant County Manager of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia; City Manager of Bisbee, Arizona; and Management Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Tucson, Arizona. 

Johnson is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and holds a Master of Public Administrator from Valdosta State University.