President and CEO

"Erie City Mission Announces Brian R. Johansson New President and CEO"

November 28, 2023 - Erie, PA - The Erie City Mission announces the organization’s 15th President and Chief Executive Officer, Brian R. Johansson. After an extensive national search, the Erie City Mission Board of Trustees named Johansson the new President and CEO, effective November 1, 2023.

“The Board of Trustees took a comprehensive approach during the search process,” explains Chairman of the Board, Benjamin D. Wilson, Ed. D. “Alongside the board, the management team at the Mission actively participated in interviewing potential candidates. It was our goal to ensure that the next President and CEO of the Erie City Mission had the passion and skill set needed to lead this great organization, and that the programs and services offered to the community will continue for the next 100 years. We feel Brian along with his wife Peggy, will be a great fit for this goal, and we are happy to have welcomed them to Erie!”

Johansson brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the Erie City Mission and the Erie community, and has developed a reputation as a team builder, problem solver, and strategic thinker.

As a native of New York City, Johansson began his career in construction management before being called to join the historic Bowery Rescue Mission, located in lower Manhattan. For 20 years, he served in various roles at the Bowery from site director to vice president. During his tenure, Johansson oversaw the expansion of the Bowery throughout NYC and Pennsylvania, and co-founded the “Don’t Walk By” event that mobilizes nine partner organizations and 1,400 volunteers to walk every block in Manhattan in search of homeless individuals. Johansson managed a 10-million-dollar annual budget, over 200 full-time and part-time staff, and thousands of volunteers at eight agency sites. Johansson was approved by the U.S. State Department to present to visiting dignitaries from other countries on the topic of homelessness and addiction, and also served as a chaplain working with the NYPD during the 9/11 recovery efforts. Most recently Johansson served as an independent consultant for various nonprofits in and around the Pittsburgh area.

“What an honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization into the future,” shares Johansson. “My wife Peggy and I have spent our lives loving and caring for those who are hurting, struggling, and have fallen through the cracks of society. We are so looking forward to being part of the Erie community.”

Johansson holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Nyack College and earned his Master of Public Administration degree from Marywood University. Johansson and his wife Peggy have one daughter, a son-in-law, and a grandson, who are the joy of their lives.

About the Erie City Mission: As a leader in the field of rescue and recovery, the Erie City Mission exists to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of men, women, and youth in the city of Erie. The Mission is committed to helping those impacted by the effects of addiction, poverty, hunger, and homelessness through a Christ-centered approach and programs that effectively meet an individuals long-term challenges. The Mission operates almost entirely from donated food, materials, and generous contributions from individuals, churches, and organizations. Established in 1911, the Erie City Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.