Dave Johnson

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Dave Johnson

President, HCJB Global

David J. Johnson, a “missionary kid” from Ecuador, joined HCJB Global in 1994 and has served as the mission’s executive director since late 1997. He was born on Jan. 28, 1954, to missionary parents in Ecuador who served in Cuenca with the World Mission Prayer League.

In 1972 when he was 18, Dave moved to the U.S. to study at California Lutheran Bible Institute, completing a certificate in biblical studies in 1974. He later continued his studies at Azusa Pacific University (APU) in California, graduating in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. It was during this time that he married Susan Alness in August 1976. In 1986 Dave served as an associate director of Azusa’s outreach ministries, helping plant Hispanic churches in inner-city Los Angeles.

Dave changed his career focus to sports in 1979 when he joined Campus Crusade for Christ, serving as a player and then head coach of the Athletes in Action soccer team. In 1981 he joined the Memphis Americans of the Major Indoor Soccer League where he worked as an assistant coach and player until 1984. Then he joined the Milwaukee Wave of the National Professional Soccer League, working as head coach and general manager for two years (1984-86).

In 1986 Dave returned to APU. He worked as director of academic computing centers (1990-93) and director of international programs (1993-94). Dave also earned a master’s degree from APU in human resource development in 1990 and served as an adjunct professor in APU’s graduate school of computer science (1990-94). He was also active in Azusa’s Mexico outreach program.

Dave joined HCJB Global in 1994, initially serving as director of the International Radio Group (1994-96) and then director of international operations (1996-97) before being named executive director in September 1997.

On Oct. 23, 1999, APU honored him as one of the school’s 100 outstanding alumni in conjunction with the school’s centennial celebrations. He was selected from 20,000 graduates of the school.

In September 2001 he became the president of HCJB Global.

Dave and Susan have four children: Sarah (’79), Heather (’81), Michelle (’84) and Luke (’90). Their first grandchild is due in February 2001. The Johnsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Updated Jan. 17, 2006