Lela Johnston (she/her) comes from a lineage of Peace Corps volunteers who instilled in her a dedication to public service; as a child, her family lived abroad but returned to the United States to ensure she and her sisters could attend public schools. This pivotal moment inspired her to pursue a career in local, statewide, and national advocacy, with a dedicated focus on advancing public education and expanding equitable opportunities for all students.
As the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for Denver Families for Public Schools, Lela drives Denver Families’ long-term vision, develops and implements key strategies, ensures alignment to achieve all goals, and serves as the team culture captain, fostering an inclusive, hard-working, and fun(!) working environment.
After earning her B.A. in Political Science from North Carolina State University, Lela began a career in public service. With more than a decade of experience working locally and nationally on local, federal, and national political campaigns, in nonprofits, and in public education fundraising and advocacy, Lela brings a deep passion for developing multifaceted, systemic change to her role.
