Marie C. Johns is founder and chief executive officer of PPC-Leftwich, a minority/woman-owned firm focused on operational effectiveness and public policy consulting. A corporate leader, entrepreneur, and former civil servant, Marie was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate to serve as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For over 25 years, Marie held senior positions in the telecommunications industry and retired as president of Verizon-Washington. She has been a tireless advocate for leveraging corporate resources for the greater community good and is the recipient of numerous business and civic awards. Marie has chaired and served on several boards. She has been named a “Leader of the Year” by the Greater Washington Board of Trade and is a Washington Business Hall of Fame Laureate.

Marie received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Howard University, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University. She also received honorary degrees from Trinity University and the University of the District of Columbia.