Joining Forces Welcomes Colonel William T. Johnson

On behalf of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, we are pleased to welcome United States Army Colonel William T. Johnson as the new Executive Director of Joining Forces.

We are thrilled to welcome Will aboard and are excited for him to continue the initiative’s work to support our Nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. Will succeeds Air Force Colonel Nicole Malachowski, who has returned to duty in the Pentagon after leading Joining Forces through a successful 5^th anniversary year.

Will is an Army Field Artillery Officer, and during his 23 years of service has completed a series of strategic and operational assignments, supporting operations in the Middle East, South West Asia, and Central Asia. He has three combat deployments; two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan where he served as a Battalion Commander. 

Will has also served as an Army Congressional Fellow and as Deputy to the Army’s House Liaison Division, providing military-related assistance to all Members of the House of Representatives. Prior to his current position he also served as the North East United States and European Director on the Army Chief of Staff’s Soldier for Life Program. In that role he helped to connect Transitioning Soldiers, Veterans, and their Families to employment, educational, and healthcare opportunities through partnerships with federal, local, and state agencies, non-profits, Veteran and Military Service Organizations, and the private sector.

Will holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Richmond, VA., where he was commissioned through  the school’s ROTC program in 1993. He also earned Masters Degrees in: Criminal Justice from Armstrong University, Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University, and National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University. Some of his awards and qualifications include the Bronze Star Medal (3^rd award), the Meritorious Service Medal (6^th award), the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, the Airborne and Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Will and his wife Jessy live in Virginia with their 9 year old son, Davis.

Tina Tchen is an Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sheila Nix is Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden.