With nearly 25 years of experience in behavioral health research, communications and nonprofit management, Dr. Johnson is well known for her lifelong service to diabetes. Although most recognized for her time as Miss America 1999 when she brought awareness to diabetes by sharing her personal story, she gained a reputation after that time for her engagement in diabetes research focused on psychosocial issues.

Her professional background includes many years of executive leadership at the American Diabetes Association, JDRF and the University of South Florida College of Medicine/College of Public Health. She is currently vice president of Operations in Science & Health Care at the American Diabetes Association.

Dr. Johnson spent many years in health journalism where she won a Telly Award for her CNBC show “dLife” and has written eight books. Today, she continues to engage in creative communication as she collaborates with her teenage daughter on children’s books related to youth leadership and character development. (Most of her books can be found on amazon.com.)

Over the years, Nicole has served on many advisory boards including the NIH Council of Public Representatives, the Florida Governor’s Diabetes Advisory Council, and the national boards for both the American Diabetes Association and JDRF.

Nicole has been recognized for her work around the world. She is a recipient of the Charles H. Best Medal for Distinguished Service in the Cause of Diabetes, the C. Everett Koop Medal for health promotion, and has been recognized by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health as a legacy laureate and Regent University as a distinguished alumni.

She has a Doctor of Public Health degree, as well as master’s degrees in public health and communication.