Houston-based Johnson Development Corp., a leading residential and commercial land development company, has named Michael J. Smith as president and CEO, effective Feb. 3. This comes after the death of chairman and CEO Larry Johnson in January. Smith, who joined Johnson Development in March 2000, previously served as the company’s co-president and chief operating officer.
“Larry and Michael have worked hand in hand for many years moving the company forward,” said Suzie Johnson, Larry Johnson’s wife and chairman of the Johnson Family Estate. “Our family has the utmost confidence that Michael will continue and build upon Larry’s vision.”
Smith has extensive experience in the community development and large-scale land business. During his more than 20-year tenure at Johnson Development Corp., he has managed several large-scale master-planned communities. He is a member of Urban Land Institute, the Greater Houston Home Builders Association, the NAHB, Rotary Club International, and various economic development organizations. Smith, who is a U.S. Army veteran, holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in business administration.
“I am honored to serve as the new president and CEO of Johnson Development. Having worked under the leadership of Larry Johnson for many years, he set the groundwork for the future and left us well prepared to take the company he founded [in 1975] to the next level,” said Smith. “His vision transcends his passing, and we have the tools, the capital, and the right people to extend his vision and build on the foundation he established long ago. Together, with our team, I look forward to leading Johnson Development to continued success in the years ahead.”
In addition to Smith, the Johnson Development senior executive team includes Kirk W. Boswell, senior vice president of finance; Elizabeth F. York, senior vice president and general counsel; and Terry L. Henderson, chief financial officer.
“Through his leadership and vision, Larry Johnson put the company on solid ground and set it up for future success,” said Gary Berman, president and CEO of Tricon Residential, a strategic partner of The Johnson Cos. “For over a decade now, Tricon has partnered with Johnson Development to deliver numerous successful master-planned communities that put people first and take a sustainable approach to development. Johnson’s reputation for excellence and creating long-term value are embedded throughout the organization, and we remain highly confident that its executive management team will continue to lead Johnson in this spirit.”
