Professional Roles

• Leadership Consultant

• Executive Coach

• Leader Developer

Specialty Areas

Senior Leadership Development Advisor / Executive Coach

Biography

Jay Johns is a retired Army Colonel, and has had the privilege of serving in several strategic-level organizations within the Department of Defense. His ability to forge collegial relationships and build high-trust teams helped him navigate the complexities inherent in large enterprises with divergent stakeholders.

Jay’s professional passion is helping people reach their leadership potential. Throughout the course of his career, he intentionally developed emerging leaders to become prepared for executive-level responsibilities, both informally and through his role as a US Army Internal Executive Coach. Jay believes there’s a substantial difference between being an authentic leader versus being a person who has merely learned how to apply leadership techniques. What sets an authentic leader apart is core strength, demonstrated by the ability to stay creatively and decisively engaged at the helm without becoming hamstrung by a failure of nerve. Jay has helped countless leaders strengthen their resolve and develop their leadership brand.

Among his several degrees, Jay holds a Master of Arts in Management (Organizational Leadership) from American Military University, a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and a Bachelor of Arts (History and Philosophy) from the University of Texas at Austin. Jay also holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential through the International Coaching Federation.

Jay lives in Boardman, Ohio with his wife Diane. They enjoy renovating houses, hiking, biking, kayaking, and seeing as much of the world as possible.

Core Competencies and Achievements

An ICF Certified Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 20+ years of experience in leadership consulting, executive coaching, and organizational development. He specializes in building high-performance teams and guiding city agencies through transformational leadership training.

• Developed and implemented accountability systems, coaching frameworks, and leadership assessments to enhance team effectiveness

• Expert in leading strategic discussions, workshops, and turnaround initiatives that promote collaboration and shared accountability among city leaders and stakeholders

• Designed and executed tailored training programs that improve decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership performance within municipal and corporate settings

• Proven expertise in launching and sustaining accountability systems that align with strategic goals and improve operational performance

• Advises leaders on navigating political dynamics, anticipating challenges, and addressing difficult decisions with clarity and confidence

• Serves as a strategic partner to leadership teams, providing actionable feedback on risk mitigation and structural improvements for sustained success

Education, Qualifications and Certifications

Contact Information