Indianapolis, IN – Project Lead The Way (PLTW) announced today that it has elected Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey (CJ) to the Board of Directors of the nation’s leading provider of transformative learning experiences for PreK-12 students across the U.S. CJ’s position as an Independent Director to the board is effective immediately.
CJ currently serves as a senior vice president in Booz Allen Hamilton’s global defense business. CJ has extensive expertise in leading global innovation strategies that reflect evolving markets and technology dynamics. He has more than 25 years of engineering experience across multiple industries in academia, defense and commercial industries.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey to the PLTW Board of Directors. His extraordinary blend of academic and commercial experience, coupled with his passion for STEM and career education, makes him an invaluable addition to our Board,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. “Dr. Johnson-Bey's insights will be crucial as we continue to prepare students for future careers while inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers."
Before joining Booz Allen, CJ worked for Lockheed Martin as a leader in advanced technology and strategy, which included funding development of emerging technologies at national laboratories. He also worked for Motorola Corporate Research Labs, Corning Science & Technology Division and was an electrical engineering professor at Morgan State University.
With his extensive background in engineering and global innovation strategies, CJ brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the PLTW Board of Directors. His appointment reflects PLTW's commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the ever-changing technological landscape.
“As an engineer, I love figuring out how things work,” CJ said. “As a mentor and an advocate for lifelong learning, I am continuously motivated to identify new pathways for encouraging the next generation of STEM leaders to pursue new educational opportunities. Working together with Project Lead The Way, I hope to inspire students to keep dreaming big.”
CJ earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins University. He is also a member of the 2024 Class of the National Academy of Engineering, among the highest professional distinctions an engineer can receive.
PLTW’s Board of Directors represents some of the world’s leading companies and organizations in the fields of engineering, education, research, and software development. For more information on the PLTW Board of Directors please visit: https://www.pltw.org/about/people/board-of-directors.