Brenda Johnson, director of human resources at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point, will be honored with a retirement reception from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 1. in the hospital’s education center. Johnson started as administrative secretary and personnel director at Ivy Memorial Hospital downtown in June 1985. She is retiring July 26 with 34 years of service.
A native of Una in Clay County, Johnson graduated from West Point High School in 1973. She attended East Mississippi Community College in Scooba and Mayhew, and then worked for Tombigbee Regional Library, the predecessor to Bryan Public Library, for several years before joining Watkins, Ward and Stafford.
During this time she attained the designation of certified professional secretary. In 1985, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Mississippi University for Women. She completed her master of business administration from Mississippi State University in 1991 and in 1995 she attained certification as a professional in human resources from the society of human resource management.
When Johnson started at Ivy Memorial Hospital, she was responsible for 125 employees, that number is around 300, with the growth fueled by addition of services and affiliated medical clinics over the years.
In February, the Mississippi Hospital Association Society for Human Resources Administration presented Johnson with its distinguished service award. The award is given each year to a society member in recognition of outstanding contributions to heath care human resources in Mississippi. She recently completed a term as president of the MHA Society for human resources and has served as president, secretary and board member for the Golden Triangle Human Resources Association. She has also been active with United Way of Clay County, serving as a board member, Take a Swing at Cancer, Make a Wish Foundation, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association and American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She is also a charter member of the NMMC-West Point Wellness Center and an active member of First Baptist Church in West Point.
Johnson was a lifelong resident of Clay County until June, when she moved to Starkville with Marion, her husband of 43 years. They moved to be closer to their son Adam, his wife, JoAnna and granddaughter, Laney.
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