New Blanding City Manager and family are excited to get started

David Johnson is moving to Blanding with his family from Saratoga Springs, UT to work as the newly appointed Blanding City Administrator. He brings 13 years of experience in management, economic development, recreation, budgeting, and public engagement.

His background includes experience in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. He earned a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Utah and a B.A. in Communications from Brigham Young University.

Johnson currently works as the Economic Development and Public Relations Director for the City of Saratoga Springs. In this role, he brought Costco to the city, updated the park and trails masterplan, and worked with public safety officials to evacuate 13,000 residents during a wildfire this summer.

He is also a member of several professional organizations and teaches in the School of Communications at BYU.

Prior to Saratoga Springs, Johnson worked for Haines City, FL and Bountiful City, UT. His experience with these cities includes preparing annual budgets, updating city code, establishing regional cooperatives, and addressing issues with invasive deer and environmental approvals for new businesses.

Johnson’s career originally began with a public relations firm, focused on government contracts. He also worked in non-profit executive management, events, and grant writing.

Johnson and his wife, Corrine have been married for nearly 14 years. They have four children ranging in age from middle school to pre-school.

Corrine Johnson has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Utah State University and went to the University of Utah to become a Registered Nurse.

She has been a nurse for over eight years, with vast experience at the U of U Hospital, VA Hospital, hospice, and also teaches for BYU instructing nursing students on Intensive Care.

Both David and Corrine are avid runners who enjoy running marathons. They are also outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and camping with their family.

They share their insights on their personal blogs at www.theaveragejoerunner.com and www.outdoorfamfun.com.

Mayor Joe B. Lyman said, “Dave comes with a broad base of proven experience ranging from economic development; land use; human resource; utility billing including water, parks and recreation; planning; budgeting; and so on.

“When I called his personal references I got more than a good reference. I got an extensive conversation about Dave and how he could benefit Blanding City,” Lyman added.

“He and his family have been looking for a rural area to settle in and call home. I am confident they will make a great addition to our community. I look forward to working with him.”

The Johnsons expressed that they are looking forward to putting down roots and being part of a tight-knit community. They are also excited about the outdoor opportunities southeastern Utah offers.

Johnson explained that during the interview process it became very apparent how much the Mayor and the City Council of Blanding care for their community and residents.

Because of this, he and his family are looking forward to being part of such a community.

Johnson is the son of a 20-year military veteran. When asked what exites his family the most about moving to Blanding Johnson said, “Growing up in the military I became used to moving for occupational needs. I am most looking forward to putting down roots and being part of a community – for my children to be able to go to school from junior high to graduation.”

He added, “I also feel like this community will give my kids a better opportunity as they learn and grow to help and serve others.”