In Memory of Jack Johnston – An Innovator in Many Ways

Innovate+Educate lost our dear friend and fellow board member Jack Johnston on June 20, 2011 due to a tragic traffic accident. One of Jack’s last activities was working with us to share his tremendous insights into organization, creativity, and team work - his enthusiasm, clear love for students and dedication to educational challenges was always apparent in his work. We will always miss him, but he leaves behind hope and optimism for the future that will carry us forward in our work together. In honor of Jack's invaluable contribution to Innovate+Educate we have established The Jack Johnston Endowment Fund, intended to secure the future of Innovate+Educate and our mission to transform STEM education across the country. DONATE COMING SOON. Jack Johnston
Jack spent his professional career focused on the intersection between technical creativity, the development and effective use of diverse teams, and the critical role of R&D leadership. He created and led multidisciplinary, multi-company and multinational teams in such diverse areas as lubricant additive design and manufacture, zero emissions process design, advanced engine system design, fuel cell vehicle power plants, and R&D organization re-design. Jack began his career in the multidisciplinary area of polymer science, attracted by the creative energy that develops at the interface between disciplines. This was followed by studies in France, his first exposure to truly multinational R&D and the challenges of working across cultures as well as disciplines. His industrial career included experience with R&D at Union Carbide, Exxon Chemical and ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, as well as manufacturing experience with Exxon Chemical. He developed a reputation for successfully tackling high risk projects with novel approaches and a deep commitment to leading diverse groups. He worked actively with the National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Research Advanced Technology (ATE) initiative, serving on a number of National Visiting Committees, including over 10 years as an NVC chair. From 2000 until his retirement in 2006, he was responsible for technology-policy development related to advanced energy systems, as well as serving as the Planning Executive for ExxonMobil’s Corporate Strategic Research labs. He spoke extensively on the topic of energy systems R&D, and related issues such as science and technology education. After his retirement from Exxon Mobil, he has worked with Habitat for Humanity, Innovate+Educate on innovating educational systems, as a consultant with SFB Associates, a firm specializing in R&D leadership and management, and as a consultant to two DOE Projects. Jack’s avocational interests included paleoanthropology, furniture making, and exploring the trails of Northern New Mexico with his wife Cathy. Jack will be missed by many people in many ways. He will be remembered.