VDOT Leadership
Grindly Johnson
Chief of Business and Employee Opportunities
Grindly.Johnson@VDOT.Virginia.gov
Grindly Johnson was appointed as the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Chief of Business and Employee Opportunity in 2006.
Under her leadership, the agency ensures equal access to employment opportunities, business opportunities and physical access is provided to VDOT’s employees, contractors and patrons.
Johnson’s primary responsibility is leading the agency’s Civil Rights Division.
Since joining VDOT, Johnson has helped VDOT launch the Wounded Veterans Internship Program, a first-of-its-kind program giving military veterans wounded in the line of duty an opportunity to gain experience and new skills in a hands-on work environment.
The program was recognized by the Federal Highway Administration with its Strive For Excellence Team Award in 2007.
Johnson also spearheaded the development of the commonwealth’s first Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) Center to provide underutilized disadvantaged business enterprise firms the tools and knowledge they need to be more competitive when vying for federal-aided contracts.
VDOT’s BOWD Center is one of only 15 in the nation.
Most recently, Johnson initiated the agency’s first Diversity Council to expand the agency’s understanding, acceptance and value placed on diversity among its employees, programs and external partners.
Prior to joining VDOT, Johnson served as principal for PERCEPTION, a consulting company that helped organizations successfully initiate and sustain dialogue with local communities through ethical and social strategies.
She also held various positions at Siemens in community and public relations, human resources and accounting.
Johnson holds her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Norfolk State University. She has received many community awards and recognitions, including 2002 Community Star for Girls Inc., 1996 fellow for the Sorenson Institute of Political Leadership, and a 1995 fellow for the American Swiss Young Leaders.
