September 15, 2011
President Young announces new chief of staff, office reorganization
University of Washington President Michael K. Young announced today the appointment of Jack Johnson to a new chief of staff position in his office, effective Oct. 24.
“Im delighted we were able to bring Jack back to the university environment,” said Young. “He understands the university very well and has seen it from more angles than most. I look forward to having his smart analytical perspective on the variety of issues I deal with every day. He will be a big help.”
Johnson previously served for nine years (2001-2010) as the chief of the UW division of the State Attorney Generals office. He left that post last year to become city attorney for Bainbridge Island. Before joining the Attorney Generals office, he served 11 years as the chief civil attorney in the Seattle City Attorneys office (1990-2001) and before that as a deputy attorney in the civil division of the King County Prosecuting Attorneys office (1980-1990).
In his new role, Johnson will represent Young to senior university leadership and campus officials and work with people within and outside the university toward fulfilling the universitys strategic goals. He will assist the president in various capacities and advise him on policy, procedural and operational issues. He also will be responsible for overseeing and managing the work of the office.
Johnson holds two degrees, both from the UW. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1976 and his law degree from the UW School of Law in 1980.
Carol S. Niccolls, special counsel to the president, announced in July she would be retiring from her position in December.
“I want to express my thanks to Carol for her years of service to the university,” said Young. “She served a number of presidents very well, and she will be missed.”
