Principal, The OB♦C Group, LLC

Michael S. Johnson, described by the Washington Post as a “Republican heavyweight,” has had a wealth of experience in the Executive and Legislative branches of government and the private sector, spanning 30 years in Washington.

He served on the White House staff of President Gerald Ford before moving to Congress, first as Press Secretary and later as Chief of Staff to then House Republican Leader Bob Michel of Illinois. As Chief of Staff, Johnson chaired meetings of committee staff directors, oversaw the development of major legislation, served as a senior political advisor and liaison to the White House, the Senate and party organizations. He was consistently listed by Roll Call among the most powerful Hill staffers.  Washingtonian Magazine judged him one of the top House communications staffers.

Mr. Johnson has 16 years experience in the private sector as a lobbyist and policy and communications strategist. He currently serves as Chairman of the Congressional Institute, an organization that works with Congressional leaders on institutional operations and policy research. 

Johnson hosts regular strategy sessions of senior communications professionals in Washington. He is involved as well in other advisory groups working closely with members of the House and Senate Republican Leadership.

He is a lecturer on Congressional affairs, the legislative process, political communications and advocacy. He served for many years as an instructor in political communications for the Legislative Studies Institute, a graduate-level program for individuals pursuing careers in the Legislative Branch.

Mr. Johnson joined the firm in March 2001. Prior to his Washington career, he was the editor-in-chief of a daily newspaper in Illinois. He was reared and educated in South Dakota.