Kevin Johnson

Kevin M. Johnson currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Seven Ventures, Inc., a consulting company specializing in intergovernmental affairs and sports industry development. Prior to his role with Seven, Johnson served as the Mayor of Sacramento for two terms and was an NBA All-Star.

As Mayor, Johnson led the effort to keep the city’s only professional sports franchise, the Sacramento Kings, in the city by assembling a new ownership group, raising $535 million to purchase the team, and building the recently opened Golden 1 Center. The new arena has catalyzed a $1.5 billion investment in the downtown core and was financed through innovative uses of public resources without raising taxes. He focused on priorities such as improving public safety, creating jobs and economic development, reforming public education, promoting good governance, and enhancing the quality of life for all Sacramentans. Johnson also held key national leadership roles including Second Vice President of the US Conference of Mayors, Vice President of the National Conference of Black Mayors, and Chair of US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's Education Reform Task Force.

Johnson is General Partner of the Black Capital Fund, a $10mm early-stage venture capital fund focused on investing in Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs. He and his wife Michelle are also the founders of Fixins Soul Kitchen, which seeks to set the standard for the American soul food experience. In addition to his business pursuits, Johnson is the President of two corporations focusing on business opportunities and community involvement in Sacramento, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. He manages St. HOPE Corporation, a non-profit community development corporation aimed at revitalizing inner-city communities, and oversees operations of several subsidiaries in real estate, sports management, and business acquisition as President and CEO of The Kevin Johnson Corporation.

Before taking public office, Johnson served as CEO of St. HOPE, a community development organization focused on education and economic development in under-resourced communities. He founded this nonprofit in 1989, leveraging his experience and networks to enhance public education, civic leadership, economic development, and the arts. Johnson continues to be an active public speaker. His contributions to the community and professional fields have earned him numerous awards, including the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.