WE ARE SAVANNAH STRONG!

Mayor Van R. Johnson II serves as the official head of the City of Savannah. He presides at all meetings of the Mayor and Aldermen and performs all other duties of the office of the Mayor. As Executive Officer, the Mayor signs all motions, resolutions, and ordinances passed by the Savannah City Council and votes in all meetings of the Mayor and Aldermen. In times of danger or emergency, the Mayor may, with the consent of the Mayor and Aldermen, take command of the police and govern the city by proclamation, maintaining order and enforcing laws. 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, but with strong Savannah roots, Mayor Johnson is a New York City Public School System graduate who has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Savannah State University and Georgia Southern University.

As a former radio talk show host, political commentator, and former author of local weekly columns, Mayor Johnson has distinguished himself as an independent, thoughtful, and passionate voice on current events.

As a nationally certified professional in Human Resources and a Georgia-certified Law Enforcement professional, Mayor Johnson has utilized his unique skill set as a sought-after trainer, speaker, and consultant in these areas. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Georgia.

In 2004, Mayor Johnson was elected First District Alderman for the City of Savannah. He was re-elected to 3 subsequent terms by the citizens of the District, averaging more than 75 percent of the total vote. During his tenure as an Alderman, Mayor Johnson served as Mayor Pro Tem and Vice Chairman of the Council. He consistently used this sacred platform to advocate for the least, the last, and the lost; and promote inclusion and equity for all of Savannah's citizens.

Mayor Johnson also demonstrated leadership nationally as a Board member of the National League of Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors, and the African American Mayors Association. 

Mayor Johnson is nationally recognized as an innovator and thought leader in youth development and engagement through his service of over 27 years as the Director of the Chatham County Youth Commission. Since then, he has assisted cities and counties nationwide in developing governmental youth leadership programs, including co-founding the Savannah Youth Council in 2004.

Mayor Johnson's dedication to children, youth, and families is evident in our local community. He has served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, past Board Chair of the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services, and numerous local non-profit organizations. He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, along with countless other social and civic organizations.

Mayor Johnson's leadership and humanitarian efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, honors, and distinctions, including a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Savannah State University and recognition as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's 100 Most Influential Georgians for the past three consecutive years.