Paul R. Johnson is the Seattle Symphony’s Vice President of People and Culture and Chief Diversity Officer.
The Seattle Symphony has promoted Dr. Paul R. Johnson to the position of Vice President of People and Culture and has appointed him to the newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer. The new senior leadership role was created to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central priorities at the Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall. Johnson joined the Seattle Symphony in 2022 as Director of People and Culture. As Vice President of People and Culture and Chief Diversity Officer, Johnson will continue to oversee human resources and will assume a larger accountability role concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Prior to the Seattle Symphony, Johnson was director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Seattle Waldorf School. Before that, he worked in human resources at the Boeing Company, Microsoft, and Starbucks Coffee Company. Johnson holds master’s degrees in Cultural Studies, Human Resources, and Project Management from the University of Washington, Villanova University, and Georgetown University, respectively. Most recently, he completed a doctorate degree in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. He serves on the board of directors for the Jackson Street Music Program.
