For more than three decades, Josephine Powell Johnson dedicated herself to advancing at the Carolina Power & Light Co. She joined the utility company in 1961, and steadily worked her way from administrative assistant to the first female district manager. Ms. Johnson is proud to have been able to pave the way for other females in the industry. Although she loved her job, she decided to retire in 1997. She attributes her longevity and success to her determination; she put her whole self into everything she did. She also credits mentors like Herman Perry, Harry Oberbee, and Burt Grant.
Part of Ms. Johnson’s job at the Carolina Power & Light Co. was community outreach. She met the requirement through positions like vice chairman f the Eastern North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, vice president of North Carolina Business and Professional Women US, chairman of the Goldsboro Education Foundation, and chairman and board member of the Wayne County Economic Development Commission. Additionally, Ms. Johnson has done a lot of work with the church and with the Home Health and Hospice Operation. She remains in the latter roles to this day.
In recognition of her efforts, Ms. Johnson was named the Woman of the Year by the Business Women’s Association. She was also honored with inclusion in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who of American Women, and Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America.
Ms. Johnson prepared for her endeavors by studying at Mount Olive College and Fayetteville Technical Institute.
