Paul Johnson
Executive Director – Wesley Urban Ministries
Paul Johnson graduated from McMaster University with a degree in History in 1993, at which time he began working at Wesley Urban Ministries, an outreach ministry of the United Church of Canada that provides a variety of services to individuals and families trapped in cycles of poverty in the Hamilton area. From 1993 to 1997, Paul was the Director of Resource Development.
Working for a brief period of time in the private sector, he moved to England where he worked in the Y2K Program Office of Compaq Computer Limited.
On his return from England, Paul went back to Wesley Urban Ministries and since 2000, has served as the Executive Director.
In May of 2005, Paul was seconded for a year to serve as the Project Director for the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction. This initiative brings together leaders from all sectors in the community to develop a community action plan for reducing poverty in Hamilton. The Roundtable is encouraging all residents to help “Make Hamilton the Best Place to Raise a Child”.
Paul continues to be a member of the Roundtable, is the Chair of Hamilton’s Best Start Network and member of the Community Advisory Board on Homelessness. Paul was also the Honorary Chairperson for the 2007 Week of the Child and Youth celebrations in Hamilton and delivered a keynote address at their annual awards luncheon on October 19th.
Although most of Paul’s working and volunteer life has been dedicated to addressing the needs of low-income individuals and families through his work at Wesley Urban Ministries, he has realized that the future prosperity of our community relies on our efforts to create the right environment for positive child and youth development.
Paul is known as a strong community leader and advocate. A powerful presenter, Paul is often sought after to speak on various topics including community collaboration and capacity-building.
An avid basketball fan, Paul was the play-by-play voice of McMaster University basketball in the 1990s and continues to referee the game at a local and national level.