KENNETH A. JOHNSON
Athletic Director
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Mission-driven Athletic Director with over 15 years of experience in coaching, program leadership, and youth development across Chicago Public Schools. Proven ability to build competitive and character-based athletic cultures, manage multi-program budgets, ensure IHSA compliance, and mentor coaches. Grounded in faith and committed to the full development of every student-athlete through discipline, excellence, and service.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4047
4047
years of post-secondary education
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Athletic Director
Corliss Early College STEM High School
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee all operations for 15+ sports programs across three seasons.
- Recruit, train, and evaluate coaching staff while managing eligibility and compliance.
- Lead fundraising campaigns, budget allocations, and facility usage coordination.
- Partner with community stakeholders and CPS offices to expand athletic opportunities.
- Managed and upgraded facilities & equipment.
- Ordered equipment for all sports and kept meticulous records on athletic equipment inventory.
- Recruited and interviewed individuals for coaching jobs and other athletic department staff positions.
- Championed the importance of sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and personal responsibility both on and off the field, setting a strong example for athletes to follow.
- Developed athletic study program/ standards.
- Developed Special Olympics team.
- Established culture of excellence and integrity among athletes and coaches, aligning with institution's values.
Engineer/EMT
Chicago Fire Department
01.2009 - Current
- Serve as a front-line emergency responder with a record of excellence and leadership under pressure.
- Use discipline, training, and communication skills transferable to school administration.
Private Skills Development Coach
01.2004 - Current
- Trained and mentored hundreds of student-athletes in basketball fundamentals and life preparation.
- Advised families on academic and recruitment processes.
Head Basketball Coach (Varsity)
Corliss High School
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Built a program focused on personal growth, academic achievement, and team accountability.
- Implemented strategic film review and skill development systems.
Head Sophomore Basketball Coach
Lindblom Math & Science Academy
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Supported student-athletes with weekly study halls and tailored workouts.
- Created cohesive team culture emphasizing preparation and performance.
Head Junior Varsity Basketball Coach
Gary Comer College Prep
10.2009 - 03.2015
- Worked closely with academic departments to ensure athletes' academic and athletic success.
- Developed a studious culture and accountability process within the team.
- Mentored, housed, fed, and clothed many athletes, demonstrating a commitment to their holistic development.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Millikin University
Decatur, IL05-2026
Associate of Arts -
City Colleges of Chicago (Olive-Harvey College)
Chicago, IL12-2020
High School Diploma -
De La Salle Institute
Chicago, IL05-2002
Skills
- Leadership Development & People Growth
- Program Oversight, Strategy & Culture Building
- Budget Management & Multi-System Financial Reporting (CPS, LSC, OSA, Procurement)
- Compliance, Policy Implementation & Eligibility Systems (IHSA, Aspen, Honest Game, MaxPreps)
- Fundraising, Sponsorship, and Strategic Partnerships
- Organizational Communication (Reports, Proposals, Presentations, Stakeholder Relations)
- Academic Support Systems & Performance Improvement
- Technology Fluency: Aspen, GoFan, Arbiter, rSchool, Scheduler, Microsoft & Google Suite
- Data-Driven Decision Making, Evaluation & Ethical Data Practices
- Event, Facility & Operations Management
- Community Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Culture & Character Formation Across Teams and Departments
Certification
NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach
Timeline
Athletic Director
Corliss Early College STEM High School
01.2023 - Current
Head Basketball Coach (Varsity)
Corliss High School
10.2021 - 01.2023
Head Sophomore Basketball Coach
Lindblom Math & Science Academy
01.2015 - 01.2020
Head Junior Varsity Basketball Coach
Gary Comer College Prep
10.2009 - 03.2015
Engineer/EMT
Chicago Fire Department
01.2009 - Current
Private Skills Development Coach
01.2004 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Leadership
Millikin University
Associate of Arts -
City Colleges of Chicago (Olive-Harvey College)
High School Diploma -
De La Salle Institute