DR. HUME JOHNSON - BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Hume N. Johnson

Author, Broadcast journalist, Professor and Political Analyst, Dr Hume Nicola Johnson is ranked among the leading communication specialists in Jamaica. With over 15 years of professional experience in television & radio broadcasting, public relations and strategic political communication, paired with poise, strong public speaking skills and a sharp political instinct, Dr Johnson is am emerging powerhouse in the Caribbean political and socio-cultural arena.

Her expertise in political communication and active engagement in the Jamaican public sector and creative industries sector won her top-notch clients including high-level Government officials, entertainers and business executives. For example, Dr Johnson served as a specialist Speech writer within the Ministry of National Security; researcher with former State Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Delano Franklyn, political advisor with parliamentarians and media consultant with political parties. She also served as an executive member of the Youth Advisory Council with former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Most Hon. PJ Patterson. Her outstanding work, in building the image and brands of iconic Jamaican entertainers Tony Rebel (and reggae festival Rebel Salute), Queen Ifrica and Lymie Murray is also well regarded.

Nowadays, Hume manages a global academic career extending from her native Jamaica to Australia, New Zealand and the United States.  Currently, she is Professor of Public Relations and Media Communications at Roger Williams University, Rhode Island, United States. Previously Dr Johnson lectured in the Broadcast curriculum (radio and television) at James Cook University, Queensland Australia. She is also an Honorary Associate of the Department of Politics and Public Policy at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Dr Johnson holds a PhD in Political Science & Public Policy from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. An astute political thinker, she writes extensively on governance and civil society in Jamaica. She is the author of ‘Challenges to Civil Society: Protest and Governance in Jamaica’ (Cambria Press, 2011); co-author of ‘Jamaican Dons, Italian Mafias and the chances of a reversible destiny’ (Political Studies, Vol. 56, March 2008); ‘Performing Protest in Jamaica: The Mass Media as Stage’ (International Journal of Media and Cultural Politics, Vol 2, no. 4, 2008) and “Ode to Quasheba: Resistance Rituals of Higgler Women in Jamaica” (On the Edges of Development: Cultural Interventions, New York: Routledge, 2009). Dr Johnson is also a regular political commentator and analyst with The Jamaica Gleaner and various broadcast media. She comments on politics and governance, including civic, social and cultural issues.

Dr Johnson offers Executive Training and consultancy services in Strategic Communications including – Radio and TV Broadcasting, Public Speaking, Public Relations Techniques and Crisis Communications. Her ‘Step Up to the Microphone’ series is a workshop designed to train working professionals in public speaking. The training components include The Art of Conversation, Building Your Personal and Professional Brand, Understanding the Media; Speechwriting and How to handle Media Interviews.

She is available for speaking engagements on Political and Social Affairs (civil society, governance); Crisis Communication; Leadership; Image & Reputation Management, as well as Nation Branding.