Buz Johnson Exits, Stage Right
Anyone who has spoken with Buz Johnson should not be surprised to learn that one of his hobbies is acting.
He's appeared in a dozen or so local productions, and his clear, resonant voice is made for the stage. Luckily for MPC, it also works pretty well for taking roll-call votes at monthly Commission meetings! Not-so-luckily for us, though, Johnson has decided to take his final curtain call as MPC Deputy Director on September 12.
"I clearly remember my first day at MPC. There were four of us starting new jobs that day," he laughed, shaking his head. "I've outlasted them all!"
Johnson holds a Master's Degree in Planning from The University of Tennessee and started his career at MPC 37 years ago, in August of 1977. He says he's enjoyed most of the seven or eight positions he's held at the agency but enjoyed his time in the Comprehensive Planning department the most. Working with the TTCDA board runs a close second.
Of course, he didn't start at the top. Johnson's first title at MPC was Planner II, and he split his time between writing plans in the Long Range Planning division and reviewing applications in Current Planning. Many titles and lots or hard work later, he was promoted to Deputy Director in 2003.
"I'm looking forward to retirement and learning to sleep late again,"he said. "But, I'll also keep up with MPC. I know staff will continue to do the superior work that they always have, and I can't wait to hear about it. Plus, I'm dying to know who's going to be crowned ? Grand Poobah of the Coffee Pot' when I'm gone."
Never one to dally around, Johnson will report to the beach on the first Monday of his retirement. When he returns home, he hopes to spend time hiking, researching family history, and working on a few house projects before hitting the road for more travels.
And, there's one more tiny change coming to his life: he'll become a grandfather for the first time in early November. Is he excited? Just ask him about the twin girls, and watch his face light up!
Congratulations, Buz! To borrow a thought from the Bard, "one man in his time plays many parts." Enjoy your new role of baby-spoiler-in-chief!
