A career of solving complicated problems.
President & CEO
Norden Strategies 2020-Present Norden Strategies is a boutique consulting firm that guides organizations looking to do something big. Using 30 years experience, Norden weaves together multiple disciplines to create comprehensive strategies that achieve results. Clients span multiple industries including; sports, esports, design, construction, food service, affordable housing, sports & entertainment facility development. 
Chief Strategy Officer
Timberwolves, Lynx, Iowa Wolves & T-Wolves Gaming August 2003-May 2020 A long and diverse portfolio that has touched most areas of the company over the past 17 years. Positions held:
Career Highlights:
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Representing Our Brands Around the World
Johnson has represented his clients and work around the world -whether speaking at conferences, organizing events, or participating in charitable missions, he has found unique ways to build bridges across cultures to advance objectives of the organizations he supports. |
Director
Weber Shandwick International September 1999-August 2003 Co-created and co-led one of the agency's largest and most visible accounts, the $12M "Target Market" tobacco prevention campaign. Results were an amazing 25% reduction in teen smoking and youth organization of 40,000 teens that exceeded its goal by 800%. |
Account Executive
Himle Horner Public Affairs January 1999-August 1999 Built three Midwest state coalitions to advance the legislative agenda of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturer's Association (PhRMA). Also assisted in legislative efforts to secure a casino at Canterbury Park and to save motor vehicle emissions testing. |
Deputy Campaign Manager
Humphrey Gubernatorial Campaign March 1997-December 1998 Directly managed four areas of the campaign: Field, Political, Greater MN Media and Scheduling. Developed strategies and tactics as well as managing a staff of 25 and a $2M dollar budget. Also included briefing the candidate prior to appearances and establishing constituency groups that advised the campaign on policy positions. |
Special Assistant
Minnesota Attorney General's Office December 1994-February 1997 Directed the strategic long-range planning of the Attorney General's schedule and managed greater Minnesota media relations efforts. Duties also included staffing the Attorney General, assisting in inter-governmental affairs and supporting the passage of the Attorney General's legislative agenda. |
Field Director
Clinton/Gore Presidential Campaigns 1992 & 1996 Developed strategies and tactics for Minnesota campaign and to support other Democratic candidates on the general election ballot. Responsible for coordinating field activities and represented the campaign at candidate forums, community meetings, political rallies and college classes. Served as campaign spokesperson in limited television and newspaper interviews and radio talk shows. |
Advance Staff
President William Jefferson Clinton December 1994-May 1996 Supervised the preparation and logistical coordination of sites for Presidential, Vice Presidential or First Lady visits, speeches and events. Worked closely with White House staff, United States Secret Service, members of the media, and served as White House liaison to politicians and business leaders prior to and during visits. |
Campaign Manager
Congressman James Oberstar June 1993-November 1994 Managed the reelection efforts of Congressman Oberstar and was the only Minnesota Democratic campaign to increase their winning percentage in 1994. Served as campaign spokesman with media and developed a coordinated campaign plan for the U.S. Senate, Gubernatorial and 24 state legislative races. |
Committee Clerk
Minnesota Senate Commerce Committee 1991 Session & 1992 Session Assisted Senator Solon and Committee Administrator in scheduling committee hearings and writing legislative summaries. Also staffed the Senator and was responsible for legislative research and constituent correspondence. |