Linda Johnson Rice

Linda Johnson Rice is a distinguished business executive, widely recognized for her contributions to various sectors including corporate governance, media, and community organizations. She has a strong educational background, having earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and a Master's degree in Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. This solid foundation set the stage for her impactful career.

Professional Journey

Linda’s professional journey is marked by several key roles that highlight her leadership and visionary capabilities. She is the CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, known for her historic position as the first African American female CEO within the top five of Black Enterprise’s 100s largest black-owned companies. Since assuming this role in January 2012, she has overseen the company's operations and strategic direction, driving forward the mission of celebrating and promoting the black experience.

Public Service Commitment

Her commitment to public service is evident through her role as the President of the Chicago Public Library Board of Directors since January 2014. Here, she oversees the library's operations and helps steer the board in making important strategic decisions. Additionally, Linda is a board member at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Corporation since January 2013, contributing to the governance and policy-making of the healthcare organization.

Board Contributions

Moreover, Linda has made notable contributions as a member of the board of directors at Enova International since November 2020, and Omnicom Media Group since January 2000. Her work with these corporations underscores her proficiency in corporate governance and strategic oversight. She also served on the board of Grubhub from January 2016 to December 2020, bringing her expertise to the tech and food delivery sector.

Cultural Heritage and Community Involvement

In a bid to give back to the community and preserve cultural heritage, Linda has been a council member at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture since January 2003. Her involvement here reflects her dedication to celebrating and documenting African American history and culture.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Linda Johnson Rice has received several accolades that recognize her influence and leadership. She was named one of the “Most Influential Corporate Directors” by WomenInc. Magazine in 2018. Crain's Chicago Business listed her among the “20 Most Powerful Women in Chicago Business,” and the Chicago Sun-Times included her in the listing of “Chicago's 100 Most Powerful Women & Top 10 Women in Media.”

Skills and Expertise

Linda’s skills and expertise are broad and varied. Her capabilities range from corporate resiliency and governance to diversity and inclusion, executive leadership, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. These skills have enabled her to navigate through complex business landscapes effectively while advocating for positive societal changes.

Professional Philosophy

Her professional philosophy centers on resilience and turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. She is committed to using her platform to amplify diverse perspectives and drive social change. Linda's dedication to advocating for the black experience and nurturing the next generation of business leaders, underscores her enduring legacy as a transformative leader.