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Pennsylvania Health Secretary Named Among Top '40 Under 40' By Philadelphia Business Journal

Posted on: Friday, 7 April 2006, 18:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson is one of the Greater Philadelphia area's most promising emerging leaders, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. The Journal selected Dr. Johnson as one of this year's "40 Under 40" honorees - a selective group of the 40 most highly accomplished professionals 39 years of age or younger.

"I am truly honored that the Philadelphia Business Journal selected me for this prestigious list," said Dr. Johnson. "Since being appointed Secretary of Health, I have been working closely with Governor Rendell to make a real difference in the health and safety of Pennsylvanians.

"The Governor should be applauded for making issues such as children's health and youth violence a top priority."

The winners were nominated by co-workers, friends, or self-nominated and are proven performers in their industries and communities. The editors grade nominees on business success, community activities, regional impact and leadership ability.

"The '40 Under 40' program gives us an opportunity to spotlight some of the young and increasingly influential leaders in our region," said Bernard Dagenais, editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal. "These individuals have established themselves as leaders through their professional and volunteer achievements. They have made a difference and can be expected to continue to do so in the years to come."

Dr. Johnson was appointed by Governor Rendell as the secretary of Health in 2003 to advise the Governor on all health matters affecting Pennsylvania's 12 million citizens. Secretary Johnson directs nearly 1,800 employees in carrying out the department's mission to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and disease, and assure the safe delivery of quality health care for all Pennsylvanians.

During Johnson's tenure as secretary, he has taken significant steps to ensure that the state's public health programs are effectively meeting the health needs of Pennsylvanians by implementing a comprehensive, data-driven, performance-based outcomes management initiative. Also, Dr. Johnson has worked to eliminate health disparities by using tobacco settlement funds to increase research opportunities and training for faculty and students of historically black colleges and universities. Also, at the direction of Governor Rendell, he is currently leading statewide efforts to prepare the commonwealth for an influenza pandemic.

A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Johnson earned his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a master's degree in public health from the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health (now the Bloomberg School of Public Health). At the time of his nomination for Secretary of Health, Dr. Johnson was a practicing pediatrician on the medical staff of Temple University Children's Medical Center and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Temple University School of Medicine.

CONTACT: Troy Thompson Pennsylvania Department of Health (717) 787-1783

Pennsylvania Department of Health

CONTACT: Troy Thompson, Pennsylvania Department of Health,+1-717-787-1783

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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