STEVE HORSWILL-JOHNSTON

Lead operations, advancement, and communications for a 135-year-old graduate institution during a significant transition and relocation.

• Directed strategic relocation from Claremont to Los Angeles, expanding institutional visibility and access.
• Managed a $50M annual budget and strengthened executive-level planning and governance systems.
• Spearheaded a rebranding campaign and messaging overhaul aligned with inclusive, justice-centered theological education.
• Collaborated with faculty and board leadership to modernize culture and improve student recruitment, retention, and donor engagement.

Creative partner and internal producer for an $11B global animation studio.

• Provided story consultation, tone guidance, and narrative structure feedback for children’s content and major studio IPs.
• Produced internal videos and content used in executive presentations, brand development, and production team communications.

• Directed global communications strategy for a 12M-member denomination across 138 countries, overseeing web, media, PR, and digital engagement.
• Led a $22M national rebranding campaign that increased brand awareness by 150% among target audiences and earned 1.5B media impressions.
• Created and launched Chuck Knows Church, the organization’s most successful digital series, expanding reach across all age demographics.
• Served as senior advisor to the CEO on messaging, public engagement, and media strategy during cultural, political, and crisis events.

Lead two award-winning production companies specializing in cinematic storytelling and aerial cinematography.

• HJ Films produces commercials, brand films, and narrative content for corporate and nonprofit clients globally.
• Nashville Aerial provides drone services for high-profile clients including the NFL, The Amazing Race, and Amazon Studios.

Founder and lead strategist for the first Protestant national broadcast media campaign.

• Produced 17 nationally televised spots, 45 radio campaigns, and 300+ pieces of print and digital advertising.
• Launched the first national network TV advertising campaign for a mainline denomination, producing 17 network television spots, 45 radio ads, and 300+ print/online assets.
• Managed a $22M campaign budget and built a cross-functional team of 20+ to execute strategy and production.
• Delivered over 1.5 billion ad impressions targeting adults 25–54, and successfully increased national church engagement and attendance.
• Created and placed post-9/11 “Messages of Hope” in Times Square, The New York Times, USA Today, CBS, NBC, and ABC.