Johnny Smith Jr.

National senior director of marketing and communications

Ascension

Johnny Smith Jr. is the national senior director of marketing and communications for Ascension, where he leads public relations for the nation’s largest nonprofit health system. Smith is responsible for PR, media relations, thought leadership, reputation management, public affairs and positioning for the $30 billion organization and its subsidiaries. Previously, he worked with St. Vincent Health and Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. Smith serves on the American Lung Association National Board and the PRSA National Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In 2018, he was honored on PR Week’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list.

@johnnysmithjr