# Kenneth S. Johnson

> Kenneth S. Johnson is the Richmond-based founder and CEO of JMI, a marketing and communications firm. His work spans corporate communications, cultural events and community engagement, including founding the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival and the Big Dipper Innovation Summit.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at JMI
- **Organizations:** JMI, Richmond Jazz and Music Festival, Big Dipper Innovation Summit, Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, Virginia State University
- **Known for:** Founded JMI and the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival., Founded the Big Dipper Innovation Summit., Appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.

## Career timeline

- **Early 1990s** — Founded JMI; published biographies differ between 1992 and 1993.
- **2010** — Inaugural Richmond Jazz Festival held at Maymont.
- **2013** — RVA Grooves television series publicly announced.
- **2023** — Worked with Virginia State University on the January Big Dipper Summit.
- **2024** — JMI and Share More Stories helped develop the Williamsburg African American Heritage Trail narrative, approved December 12.
- **2026** — Appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority in August.

## Achievements

- Founded JMI and the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival.
- Founded the Big Dipper Innovation Summit.
- Appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.

## Latest updates

- **2026-08** — Named to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.
- **2026-05** — Served as founder and executive producer of the Big Dipper Innovation Summit at Main Street Station.

## Links

- Website: https://www.wearejmi.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-johnson-59aa61160

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/kenneth-s-johnson
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22