Jessica Johnston
Since joining NCOA in 2023, Jessica Johnston has led initiatives to strengthen economic well-being and improve access to benefits and community-based supports for older adults. As Interim Chief Impact Officer, she helps advance NCOA’s mission to create the conditions for all to age well.
Throughout her career, Johnston has focused on turning ambitious strategies into results by building teams, developing programs, and managing complex portfolios. At NCOA, she has led a portfolio spanning healthcare and benefits access, financial resilience, and community-based supports, while strengthening operations and expanding her team’s capacity to deliver impact nationwide.
Prior to NCOA, Johnston held leadership roles at Teracore, Inc., supporting national preparedness and personal resilience initiatives for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), where she led federally funded programs focused on governance, sustainability, and community resilience. She began her career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jordan.
Johnston holds a master’s degree in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in peace studies from Chapman University.
Aging Well: Impact Today, Progress for Tomorrow
See how NCOA is creating the conditions for all to age well. Explore our impact, progress toward our goals, and the results of our work to improve the lives of older adults today and into the future.
Where Aging Services Leaders Connect, Learn, and Innovate
NCOA’s Age+Action® conference returns June 14–17, 2027, in Arlington, Virginia, bringing aging services professionals together to spark new ideas, build meaningful connections, and discover innovative approaches to helping older adults thrive. Join colleagues from across the field to share what’s working, learn what’s next, and leave inspired to turn new possibilities into action.
The Story Behind a Happier, Healthier Birthday
Every happier, healthier birthday starts with a story. Tell us about a moment, a person, or an experience that has shaped how you think about aging. Your story may be featured on NCOA.org or in our newsletters and social channels.
