Dr. Eric Johnson
Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson has joined University Park Alliance (UPA) as executive director. In his new position, Johnson will lead UPA’s efforts to revitalize the University Park neighborhood, the 50-block area that surrounds The University of Akron. University Park is Akron's most strategically located neighborhood as the city center of education, medicine, technology and culture. Johnson will work closely with local and regional developers, financiers, builders, community groups, and the UPA board and staff to continue the transformation of the residential and commercial areas within the neighborhood.
“In a time where opportunity comes to places that are prepared to compete for talent, business and resources, it's safe to say that anchored by the support of the Knight Foundation and the partners of UPA, we are poised to compete aggressively in the years ahead. The key to long-term success will be to strategically align the direction of the organization and accelerate our efforts toward implementing the vision of the organization,” says Johnson. “It's a great time to be in Akron.”
“Eric comes to the University Park neighborhood at an opportune time, a good foundation has been built, and now it is time to fully implement an overall plan. He has the right skills and experience to do this,” says UPA Board President Tony O’Leary. “We are very fortunate to find a proven leader in the field of economic and community development for this important job.”
A New Orleans native, Johnson lives in Cleveland but plans to move to Akron and lease a unit at Spicer Village Townhomes in the University Park neighborhood. He has more than 18 years of urban revitalization and economic development experience. Prior to coming to UPA, he served as real estate director for the Cleveland Port Authority. Additional prior positions include real estate manager for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, and director of housing and urban development for the City of Pompano Beach, Florida. Johnson has also participated in numerous leadership development programs through Harvard University and other institutes of higher education, the Urban Land Institute, and the Brookings Institution.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Washburn University, a master’s degree in public administration from Minnesota State University at Mankato and a doctor of philosophy degree in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware.
About University Park Alliance
University Park Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose partners work collectively to transform the University Park neighborhood, a 50-block area surrounding The University of Akron, by leveraging private real estate investment and engaging the community. Major funding for this effort is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. For more information, visit www.upakron.com.
Media contact: Beth Houseman, 330-972-7358 or bh37@uakron.edu.