Grad Year: 2001 

Came to Lee from: McCaysville, Georgia 

Occupation: Executive Director, Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland 

Tammy Johnson is the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland where she helps local families build hope, homes, and a stronger community. She manages assets, raises funds, and leads construction of new Habitat homes, development of land, and subdivisions. She also oversees the ReStore retail operation with over a half-million in sales each year. She works with multiple volunteer groups, Habitat’s board of directors, community sponsors, and homeowners and manages a dedicated staff. Through Tammy’s leadership, her team was awarded Affiliate of the Year by Habitat of Tennessee in 2021. 

Tammy was attending McCaysville Church of God while deciding to go to college. The pastor recommended Lee University, and after receiving her Associate of Science degree from Cleveland State Community College, she transferred into the business program at Lee. She completed the Bachelor of Science in Business degree in December of 2001. 

With over 30 years’ experience in business and non-profit settings, she continues to develop successful teams, people, and processes. She values leading in a way that inspires and enhances the overall goals of each individual, the organization, and community. Tammy enjoys giving back by mentoring aspiring leaders. 

“I deeply believe in four simple words … 'Be nice to people,’ Tammy says of her philosophy. “As a leader, not everyone will understand your decisions, but if you remember that God is at the helm, and that He is your guide, your light will spread. You will shine a light to one person. They will shine a light to someone else, then that begins to spread to another group and into the community. The more you replicate yourself, the more light you can spread.”