A graduate of the University of Baltimore and Loyola University in Maryland, Adrian S. Johnson is the current Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at MECU of Baltimore, Inc. Johnson joined the credit union over two decades ago, and since 2010, he has overseen the company’s financial affairs.
Johnson first began working in the banking sector after high school, and in 1997, he joined MECU following his graduation from Loyola. The MECU Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer gained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at the University of Baltimore before obtaining his Masters of Business Administration degree at Loyola.
Johnson has overseen MECU’s financial affairs for eight years in his current role, and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer has watched it progress further. Opened in 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland, MECU has built strong ties within the local community; which Johnson is proud to be a part of.
In August 2017, Johnson was elected as Vice Chairman to the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) at its annual conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. One year later, Johnson was elected by the Board as Chairman from the outgoing Timothy L. Anderson, President/CEO of GPO FCU.
The AACUC is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. The AACUC was created to increase the strength of the global credit union community. In 2003 the AACUC became a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Over the years, AACUC has grown and is ever changing to meet the needs of the dynamic credit union community which it serves. The organization is all-encompassing for individuals (professional and volunteers) in credit unions, insurance, regulators, consultants and other entities in the credit union industry.
In 2017, the AACUC created the Young Professionals Summit during the 19th Annual Conference that was held in Raleigh, North Carolina. It has become a natural progression within the organization because of the AACUC’s focus on Professional Development. Johnson has been the Chairman over the organization’s Reaching Toward the Future Internship Program and involved in the program for over a decade. Johnson is passionate about students receiving an opportunity to work in credit unions.
Adrian S. Johnson at the Teen Financial Reality Fair, held during the AACUC’s Annual Conferences.
Charity and non-profit organizations are close to Johnson’s heart. In fact, he believes in giving of his time and/or his dollars. He has received a number of appointments to non-profit boards along with awards for his service. Along with the AACUC, Johnson has been previously elected secretary of the board for the Maryland Council on Economic Education and treasurer for the Credit Union Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Johnson’s path to working in finance started at an early age. As a teenager, he was employed by a local bank to work in its coin (counting) room. It was an experience that led Johnson to the realization that he must continue his education. His post-high school job led him to an accounting class and then to an associate’s degree at the Community College of Baltimore County (Maryland) where he is now an adjunct professor. In Johnson’s own words, “education exposed” him to his career. Johnson’s education has been an important part of his success/life and he advocates young people to seek out as much learning as they can.
Johnson’s success shows just how hard work pays off. Now Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MECU, Johnson worked his way up the chain of command in the industry. He started in the coin (counting) room and then worked his way into the accounting department for a decade. Johnson then made his way to the finance side of the financial services industry and hasn’t looked back.
Johnson’s hard work is a great example for young people all over the world. Success doesn’t come overnight, and long, hard hours are needed to reach the pinnacle of an industry.
Adrian S. Johnson with his wife Zelda Johnson
