The Wayne County Cooperative Extension has announced the retirement of its director Kevin Johnson.
Johnson is not fully retiring, as he has an opportunity to work part-time with a North Carolina foundation that works with conservation practices. He added it wasn’t simply one thing that led to his decision to retire.
“I have 31 1/2 years of service, and there were multiple things that kind of led to this,” Johnson told Goldsborodailynews..com. “I will say I could have continued to work here another five years, and I love my job. I love what I do, I love my co-workers and working with the County Commissioners and the County Manager. It’s just like someone told me I would just know when it’s time, and I think I just know.”
Johnson’s impact on agriculture and Wayne County as a whole has been felt throughout his tenure. He’s been involved in numerous efforts including the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair, bringing the Maxwell Regional Agricultural and Convention Center to Wayne County, the Wayne County Livestock Development Association, the growing interest in agriculture among youth in Wayne County, and the “We Dig It” campaign designed to educate the public on the importance and economic impact of journalism.
Johnson was also presented with a service award at Monday night’s Wayne County Livestock Development Association meeting.
Johnson’s journey began in Roanoke Rapids, but it was in Lincoln County, on the family farm, where his passion for agriculture truly took root.
Raising cattle, and chickens, and tending to row crops became second nature to Johnson. His educational pursuit led him to North Carolina State University in 1988, where he majored in Agronomy and crossed paths with the love of his life, the former Jennifer Gray. The years that followed included graduation in 1992, marriage in 1993, and the arrival of their first child, Bryan, in 1994.
Johnson’s professional journey took him to Tyrrell County as the crops agent for NC Cooperative Extension, and later to Caldwell County as the crops and livestock agent. His commitment to excellence was evident when he earned his Master’s Degree in Crop Science from NCSU in 1997.
In 1998, Johnson embarked on a new chapter, joining the NC Department of Agriculture as a regional agronomist covering Wayne, Wilson, Johnston, Harnett, and Wake counties. His dedication to his work meant the family moved to Wayne County, Jennifer’s home county, where their second child, Sabrina, was born in 1998.
In 2005, Johnson returned to Extension as the crops agent for Wayne County, a role that foreshadowed his future as the Director for Wayne County Extension in 2011.
Throughout his career, Johnson’s impact extended far beyond his professional roles, as he immersed himself in various community and civic groups. His service as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Sunday School class president at Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church showcased his commitment to faith and community.
Johnson’s involvement extended to organizations like the Sunrise Kiwanis Club, Harmony Lodge, and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, where he served as chair of the board of directors for a year and a half.
As a soccer coach for the 94 Goldsboro Sting boys team, Johnson not only taught the game but instilled valuable life lessons in his players. His dedication to community development is further highlighted by his participation in boards like WAGES, Wayne County Partnership for Children, and the City of Goldsboro Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.
Johnson’s dedication and leadership have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards and recognitions he has earned over the years. From the National Association of County Agricultural Agents’ Distinguished Service Award in 2011 to the North Carolina State University Award of Excellence in 2018.
