Promoted! Houston’s TDECU President & CEO named two-star Major General in the U.S. Army Reserve
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of interviewing TDECU President and CEO Isaac Johnson, Jr. about his philosophies, tips to success and dual roles as then- Brigadier General in the United States Army and the first Black president of Houston’s largest credit union. Now, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Johnson has a new title, two-star Major General, U.S. Army Reserve.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Johnson’s nomination, and he was promoted at a ceremony hosted by General (Ret.) Vincent K. Brooks at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston on August 6, 2022.
The longtime citizen soldier says he enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1986 for one simple reason.
“I got a letter in the mail that read, in part, earn enough money to buy a car over the summer. As a 17-year-old I thought this was a great opportunity to get a car before my senior year of high school,” said Johnson. “But it grew into a deep love of country, a deep appreciation of those who have come before me, and a love of the military profession of arms.”
Johnson formerly served as the Brigadier Commanding General 351st Civil Affairs Command. During his more than 35-year military career Johnson served deployments in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Haiti, Djibouti, and South Korea. He has earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Defense Superior Service Medal.
As a civilian he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 1992. He went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University, a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and a Master of Strategic Studies at U.S. Army War College.
Johnson was named President and CEO of TDECU, with more than 366,000 members and $4.7 billion in assets, in June 2021.
“When I think about Isaac Johnson, the one word that keeps coming to my mind is impressive,” said General Brooks. “Isaac is balancing a civilian career and a military career at the same time. When you do that, and see great accomplishments in both, it’s quite impressive.”
[SCROLL BREAK!!! Bayou Beat News can also be found in PRINT at a store near you. Click the link below to check out our E-Edition!]
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner presented Johnson with a proclamation declaring August 6, 2022, Major General Isaac Johnson, Jr. Day. “I wanted to do something that the senate can’t do,” said Turner.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented Johnson with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. “There is nothing more joyful than to see the men and women who put on the uniform and serve this country at home and abroad. This outstanding leader has led a life that has been enduring to America, his family, community, and church,” said the congresswoman.
On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Johnson will assume command of the US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) at an official handover ceremony in Fort Bragg, NC.
The distinguished Major General and CEO reminisced, “Even though I’m living my dream, and I’m very grateful to God, I have not stopped dreaming.”
Johnson resides in the Greater Houston area with his wife Demetria, and four sons Brice, David, Zachary, and Joshua.
