Jim Johnson

Former Fannie Mae chairman and prominent figure in the Democratic Party Jim Johnson led the search for potential vice presidents during the campaigns of Senator John Kerry and Walter Mondale. Johnson serves as a vice chairman in the Barack Obama Campaign.

Johnson was the lead adviser in Obama's search for a running mate. On June 11, 2008, he stepped down from that position amid questions surrounding his business dealings. The controversy involved Johnson's taking of specialty loans from troubled mortgage company Countrywide Financial.Politico.com: Obama Vetter Draws Unwanted Scrutiny (June 10, 2008)

Controversy erupted in June of 2008 when it was revealed that Johnson had taken specialty loans from troubled mortgage company Countrywide Financial. The loans amounted to $7 million, which received special rates as well as approval from the CEO, Angelo Mozilo. Johnson was eventually forced to resign from the Obama campaign.Politico.com: Obama Vetter Draws Unwanted Scrutiny (June 10, 2008)

Johnson joined Fannie Mae in 1990. He served as Vice Chairman in 1990, and as Chairman and CEO between 1991 and 1998.

Since 2001, he has held the position of vice chairman for Perseus LLC, a private banking firm.

He is a board member of several companies including Goldman Sachs, Target and UnitedHealth Group.

1. B.A. in political science from University of Minnesota
2. Masters Degree in public affairs from Princeton University
3. 1997 Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Colby College
4. 1999: Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree Howard University
5. 2002 Doctor of Laws Degree from Skidmore College