Amy Hannah Johnston

Brigadier General Retired, U.S. Army

Amy Hannah Johnston, a retired Brigadier General, completed a distinguished 31-year career in the U.S. Army, during which she exemplified leadership, dedication, and a commitment to service. Born and raised in Edina, MN, and Findlay, OH, her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of community, discipline, and a relentless work ethic—traits that shaped her career both in the military and beyond.

Throughout her service, Amy Hannah held key leadership roles in some of the world’s most strategically important regions, including Seoul, Korea, and Mons, Belgium. She served in critical positions at the United Nations Command and Combined Forces Command in Korea and The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NATO's operational headquarters. In addition to her military career, she currently serves on the Advisory Council for the Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship at the American University in Bulgaria, where she continues contributing to global democracy and informed citizenship.

Johnston’s commitment to preserving the memory of her late husband, Major General Gary W. Johnston, a highly decorated Military Intelligence Officer, led her to establish the Gary Johnston Leadership Award at Arkansas Tech University. This award, founded in his honor, celebrates his legacy of exceptional leadership.

Educational Background

Amy’s academic journey played a vital role in shaping her approach to leadership and communication. She began at Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, a field that piqued her interest in understanding human behavior. She then pursued a master’s degree in communications at the American University in Washington, DC, providing her with essential organizational communication skills. She furthered her education with an M.S. in National Resource Strategy focusing on Information Operations from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University. She also graduated from the prestigious Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Military Career and Achievements

During her 31 years in service, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Amy Johnston’s leadership was recognized in numerous assignments both domestically and internationally. Her humanitarian efforts included Operation Sea Signal in Guantánamo Bay, where she supported the processing of Cuban and Haitian migrants. She also played a crucial role in disaster response during Hurricane Katrina, where her leadership in Joint Task Force All-American contributed to the success of search and rescue missions and disaster relief operations.

Johnston’s military career also included deployments to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she played a pivotal role in combat and stabilization efforts. As Chief of Army Public Affairs at the Pentagon, she was instrumental in reshaping the Army’s strategic communication strategies, making her a key figure in modernizing military public affairs. She also held significant positions as Senior Public Affairs Officer, Deputy Strategic Communications Chief at SHAPE, and Senior Public Affairs Officer for U.S. Forces in South Korea.

Community Involvement and Continued Service

Now residing in Fredericksburg, VA, Amy Johnston remains actively engaged in community service and global initiatives. She serves on the Advisory Council for the American University in Bulgaria, working to strengthen democratic values and promote informed citizenship around the world. She also advocates for women and girls in military careers, emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership in shaping the armed forces' future.

In addition to her work in global democracy, Amy has dedicated herself to environmental and community-focused initiatives. As a Tree Steward with Tree Fredericksburg, she has contributed significantly to expanding the local tree canopy and supporting urban green space efforts. She is also deeply involved in her community’s development projects, including helping to landscape a new middle school.

Alongside her environmental activism, Amy continues volunteering with her therapy dog, Duke, through the Alliance for Therapy Dogs, providing emotional support to military veterans and active-duty service members across Virginia.

Amy Hannah Johnston’s career is a testament to her commitment to leadership, public service, and community involvement. Her legacy of dedication to both her country and her community continues to inspire and shape the lives of those around her.