Mayor Cara Spencer Appoints Connie Johnson as New Executive Director of SLATE Missouri Job Center

ST. LOUIS, MO – The City of St. Louis announces the appointment of Connie Johnson as the new Executive Director of the SLATE Missouri Job Center. Mayor Cara Spencer officially appointed Johnson during a ceremony at City Hall on May 2, 2025.

Johnson replaces former Executive Director Fredrecka “Freddie” McGlown. The City extends its heartfelt thanks to McGlown for her dedicated leadership and years of service to SLATE’s mission of supporting St. Louis job seekers and businesses.

Born in Chicago and raised in the Hodiamont Tracks neighborhood of North St. Louis, Johnson is a proud graduate of Incarnate Word Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Bradley University, with a minor in Psychology and News; a Master of Arts in Health Administration from Saint Louis University’s School of Public Health; and a Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University School of Law. She also completed the Women’s Executive Leadership Program at Washington University’s Olin School of Business.

“SLATE changed my life,” said Johnson. “My first job was through a SLATE youth program cleaning up neighborhoods. My family needed help, and SLATE gave me a way to earn money and gain experience. I am honored to return and lead the agency that helped shape who I am.”

Johnson brings over two decades of experience in legal, workforce, and public service leadership across local, state, and federal government. She currently teaches Cyber Law and Policy as an adjunct professor at both Webster and Maryville Universities and serves on multiple community boards, including the Bayer YMCA Board of Directors and the Incarnate Word Academy Alumni Board.

Her career is marked by numerous honors, including:

● Civilian Medal of Honor and Certificate for Outstanding Service from the United States Air Force

● Outstanding Service Award from the Export-Import Bank of the United States

● Recognition for Outstanding Legal Service in Ethics from the U.S. Department of the Interior

● Coin for Outstanding Legal Services in Ethics from the U.S. Army Staff Judge Advocate

● Special Recognition and Quality Awards from the SDDC Staff Judge Advocate and 595th Transportation Brigade

● Legislative Award from the Missouri Bar

● Champion of Justice from the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys

● Community Service Award from the Mound City Bar Association

● Outstanding Young Graduate Award from Bradley University

As Executive Director, Johnson is especially passionate about expanding SLATE’s impact through programs like Prison to Prosperity, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals gain employment.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” she said. “Employment is the first step to staying out of the system. I’m proud SLATE is leading that charge.”

Johnson is also deeply concerned about the growing number of job seekers impacted by recent layoffs and the devastating tornado disaster.

“Many families are in crisis,” she said. “Some haven’t applied for a job in decades due to long government service, and others have lost everything to the storm. They need immediate help finding work to take care of their families. SLATE is here to support them with training, resources, and compassion. The need is urgent — and we’re ready to respond.”

Johnson is raising a teenage son and remains committed to lifting up St. Louis communities during times of need and opportunity alike.