Published: October 21, 2008 11:18 pm            

Friends & Neighbors: Brandi Johnson

It can be a long way from bridal gowns to the halls of the state Capitol.

Growing up, Dalton native Brandi Johnson never doubted she would attend college once she finished high school in Calhoun. Her plan was to get an associate’s degree in family and consumer science from Dalton State College, then go to fashion school to study her first love, design. Once her bachelor’s degree was in hand, Johnson could begin her dream of creating wedding gowns.

At least that was the way it was supposed to go.

Instead, Johnson now finds herself working in Gov. Sonny Perdue’s press office and contemplating a possible career in politics.

“I attended the Atlanta campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design, and it wasn’t what I thought it would be,” she said. “Only eight of my core classes from Dalton State counted towards my bachelor’s, so I lost a year and a half. I loved the school but it would have been a lot of work that wouldn’t have paid off.”

Johnson, now 22, knew of several successful fashion designers who either lacked a degree completely or had earned one in an unrelated field. She completed a year at SCAD and also became a licensed real estate agent. She transferred again to Georgia State University, majoring in political science with a concentration in pre-law with plans of pursuing a career in real estate law.

During her senior year, Johnson began mulling over the possibility of an internship at a law firm in the Atlanta area. Her adviser at Georgia State suggested she open herself up to other fields, such as the governor’s office.

“I called them without knowing if they even had an intern program,” said Johnson. “That was on a Tuesday and the deadline for applying was the following Friday. They told me to send in my resume, so I did, and I got the position.”

She began the internship in January and finished in May when she graduated magna cum laude. Johnson then returned to the press office. Her responsibilities include writing press releases and media advisories and attending press conferences and various events.

Johnson loves her boss.

“Gov. Perdue is so normal!” she said. “He wears cowboy boots with his suits and comes around to see how everyone is doing.”

The job is filled with thrills such as an up-close view during visits by President Bush.

“I got to drive in the president’s motorcade in July when he came to Atlanta,” Johnson said, beaming. “We were on the tarmac when Air Force One landed at Dobbins Air Force Base. I drove the media around in a 15-passenger van. There were Secret Service in the front seat and a media advance team in the back.”

Johnson’s a big supporter of John McCain’s presidential campaign and met him recently when he attended a fundraising event in Atlanta.

“He’s so much smaller in person than on TV,” Johnson laughed. “He seems very sincere.”

Right now, however, she is most excited about participating in her first Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk which begins Friday to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust. Breast cancer research is a cause near and dear to her heart due to several family members being affected by the disease.

“I did a lot of research papers and projects on it in school,” Johnson said. “It really shed light on how serious it is.”

Participants will walk 60 miles, covering about 20 miles per day at their own pace. To help prepare, each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance that aids in all aspects of training and fundraising.

“I have an opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivorship, honor those who have lost their lives to the disease and ultimately have an enormous impact on awareness and funding for breast cancer research and community outreach programs,” Johnson said. “That’s why I’m participating, to do something bold about breast cancer, because everyone deserves a lifetime.”

Walkers are required to raise a minimum of $2,200. Johnson’s corporate sponsors are The LAWGroup Inc. of Atlanta, Brumlow Home Inc., Concrete Solutions, Layni Jae Designs, Personal Tax Service, Thomason Egg Farm, Al Johnson Volkswagen Volvo, Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Christine Sager, Bruce Stocks Construction, Red Bud Construction, Rosedale Transport Inc., Screen Printing Specialties, TJ’s Office Supply, Dalton Family Practice, ERA Team Advantage, Josh Long and Inner Strength Training LLC and William B. Snipes Orthodontics.

“Thank you for supporting my journey,” said Johnson.

        

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