Class Visit And Dinner With Polis Alumni Guide J.J. Johnson (Duke ’88)
February 14, 2023 - February 15, 2023
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Polis hosted Duke Alumni guide J.J. Johnson (’88) of Fidelity Investments to meet with students across Sanford and Duke University including a class visit to Professor Deondra Rose’s PUBPOL301 class and dinner with students from class, the Polis Student Committee, and Crowell (his Quad from his University days!).
He talked with students about his time at Duke University and his career post-college, giving invaluable academic and career advice to students interested in studying the intersections of finance, business, and public policy. He also went over Fidelity’s role in public and economic policy and the relationship between Congress and major financial and investment companies.
“J.J Johnson was the most influential guest speaker I have ever had speak to a class of mine, both at Duke and prior to Duke. What separates J.J from other important figures is the care he demonstrated towards people he had just met. J.J provided me not only with general career advice, but also specific guidance and encouragement regarding my personal career goals. This was very meaningful to me, and completely changed my perspective of my role in Public Policy, giving me a renewed feeling about my education. For the first time in college, I felt confident in my decision about my major. I thought, ‘Yea, this is the right field for me’. I am forever grateful for this opportunity!”
– Amaya Hanley (PPS ’25)
About J.J. Johnson
J.J. Johnson is a senior advisor for Fidelity Investments. In this role, J.J. provides advice to the executive management team and engages clients on public policy, communications, corporate citizenship and sustainability issues, and leads cross-firm projects. In September 2022, J.J. retired after 14 years as chief communications officer and executive vice president, Communications, Public Affairs, and Policy.
Prior to joining Fidelity, Johnson was SVP, Government Relations and Head of Global Human Resources for the NASDAQ Stock Market, beginning in 2003. From 1998 to 2003, Johnson was VP, Congressional Affairs and director of Federal Legislative Strategy for AT&T. Johnson previously served as an associate in the public law and policy section of the Washington, D.C., law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP from 1991 to 1998 and deputy director of Congressional Affairs for the Dole for President 1996 campaign. Johnson received his Bachelor of Arts in public policy studies from Duke University and his juris doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.