Emanuel Johnson II

Emanuel “Manny” Johnson joined the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in 2016, where he serves as the program officer for the Veterans Program, managing a $3 million portfolio of 35 grantees. Additionally, he serves on the Foundation’s Racial Equity Committee, a group that works to pave the way forward to more equitable grant-making. Prior to this role, he served six years in the Navy. During his tour of service, he was stationed onboard the U.S.S. Vella Gulf (CG-72) supporting anti-piracy operations and with the National Security Agency.

Johnson returned to his home state of Illinois to accept an appointment to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs where he served as senior policy advisor, focusing on community outreach and engagement. He led task forces and councils designed to provide critical feedback to the director of veterans’ affairs.

Outside of his work, he serves as chair of the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs, as a member of the Defense Council for the Truman National Security Project, and as a board member for the Family Defense Center. He is also a 2018 Chicago Urban League IMPACT Fellow. Johnson received his BA in economics from the George Washington University.