Larry L. Johnson, Tracey Pinson Award winner, brings influence to a state commission

Larry L. Johnson, Tracey Pinson Award winner, brings influence to a state commissionOver the summer, Governor Wes Moore appointed Larry L. Johnson to the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy.

Johnson, a former police officer and chief policy writer, brings valuable insights to the commission’s efforts to ensure fairness in sentencing by Maryland judges.

As a special agent in charge at the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, Johnson’s participation in this program reflects his dedication to upholding integrity, economy, and effectiveness within government agencies.

Johnson is now using his background and expertise to be effective in Maryland’s criminal sentencing policies.

“I live by the motto: to whom much is given, much is required,” Johnson told USBE magazine .” Serving the people of Maryland means giving back and showing my sons there is always something you can do,” he added.

In 2023, Johnson completed the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Fellows Program, an executive leadership development initiative.

The entity was established within the executive branch to address matters of integrity, economy, and effectiveness that transcend individual government agencies and to establish a professional, well-trained, and highly skilled workforce in over seventy offices of inspectors general (OIGs) across the federal government. OIGs conduct their audits, investigations, evaluations, and exceptional reviews independently from their agencies and are located within their agencies.

Johnson emphasizes the importance of mentorship and giving back to his community.

“My mentors have allowed me to learn from their wisdom and experiences. I mentor about forty professionals,” he said.

Johnson sees his role as inspiring and guiding others, particularly within the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA), where he was honored with the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award. The Pinson Award recognized Johnson’s work in helping others throughout his career.

Pinson established an enduring legacy that continues to inspire today’s AAFEA leaders like Johnson, who are significantly advancing the objectives of AAFEA to promote the development and advancement of African Americans into and within the senior ranks of the United States Government.

“I have reached many milestones, but I was so humbled to receive the Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award from AAFEA because it recognized my work in helping others throughout my career,” Johnson said.

The Pinson Award was a nod to Johnson’s distinguished career of service to our nation, his advocacy for diversity within the senior ranks of government, actively creating paths for others to pursue training and other opportunities leading toward senior executive service (SES) positions, and contributing to the growth and development of others, even as they seek to advance themselves.

Johnson also sees his appointment to the sentencing commission as standing on the shoulders of AAFEA co-founder William Brown.

“The things they endured to launch this organization so we could sit at the table mean the world to me, and I thank them every time I see them,” Johnson said.

Brown, a familiar face at the annual BEYA STEM Conference Stars and Stripes events, served as president of AAFEA for over a decade. Before retiring from the federal government, Brown directed the design and construction of an annual $11 Billion construction program for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and over forty foreign nations.

Johnson’s dedication to diversity and inclusion is evident through his role as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council.

He actively engages with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to recruit talent for the Social Security Administration and is deeply involved with African American fraternities and social organizations, fostering a leadership network across various institutions.