Mr. Dexter Johnson
Dexter Johnson currently serves as the deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and has occupied this position since August 2024. In this role, Johnson leads efforts to ensure that all customers receive valuable and consistent information. His extensive management experience spans nearly 20 years of federal service, which has provided a solid foundation to lead OPACE initiatives.
As deputy assistant administrator of OPACE, Johnson assists with the oversight of the strategic communication programs. These programs inform and educate a variety of audiences, including Congress, media, consumer and industry stakeholder organizations on FSIS policy and public health. In addition to policy, the communication programs cover foodborne illness prevention efforts and safe food handling. He also provides high-level oversight and support to FSIS’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy and Records Management programs.
In his current role, he leads efforts that directly link to FSIS’ three strategic goals – Goal 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health; Goal 2: Transform Inspection Strategies, Policies, and Scientific Approaches to Improve Public Health; and Goal 3: Achieve Operational Excellence.
Prior to this role, Johnson served as the director of FSIS’ FOIA Staff from October 2021 to August 2024. During his tenure as director, he implemented multiple business process improvements and enhanced the efficiency, outreach and awareness relating to FOIA, privacy and records management.
Before joining FSIS, Johnson served in management roles at both the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as serving as a senior FOIA professional at the U.S. Agency for International Development.