Liberty County is set to begin the new year with a seasoned leader at the helm of its Office of Emergency Management. Antwyne Johnson, 60, was officially named the county’s new emergency management coordinator during a vote by the Liberty County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various emergency management and public safety capacities over the course of his career. Most recently, he was employed as a deputy fire marshal at the University of Houston Central Campus. He tendered his resignation from the university on Wednesday, Dec. 18, after being notified of his selection for the Liberty County position.
Before his time at the University of Houston, Johnson worked for the Texas Department of Emergency Management’s Houston region, serving as the Waller County liaison. He also held the position of emergency management specialist with Fort Bend County and dedicated 27 years of service as a firefighter, community liaison and public information officer with the Houston Fire Department.
A native of rural Virginia, Johnson moved to Texas in 1985 to attend Texas Southern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He also holds an associate’s degree in process technology from Alvin Community College and a graduate certificate from the Texas A&M Bush School of Government.
“I am looking forward to moving ahead with the Office of Emergency Management in Liberty County. I want to bring everything up to par and make it top-notch,” Johnson said.
He also expressed his hope that the county could serve as a future hub for emergency management training, offering classes to benefit neighboring counties.
Johnson wasted no time in getting to know his new community, meeting with Liberty County Judge Jay Knight on Wednesday for a tour and introductions to key personnel. His official start date is set for Jan. 13, 2025.
In the meantime, Johnson and his wife of 34 years, Lisa—a flight attendant for United Airlines—plan to begin househunting in Liberty County. The couple has two daughters: Alexis, a graduate of Indiana University and a Houston police officer, and Addison, a 16-year-old high school student.
Johnson is eager to immerse himself in the growing yet rural community.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work in Liberty County,” he said.