MEET
Dr. Garfield Johnson
​I am a military veteran, former Olympic hopeful, licensed Colorado school teacher, entrepreneur, and long-time area resident with strong leadership skills. I am committed to working with my colleagues and constituents to implement effective policy solutions throughout Commissioner District 2.
Early Life
My early life experiences forged my resilience and determination and taught me the importance of budgeting and working efficiently. My earliest childhood memories are of accompanying my grandfather to his small farm in the Bahamas, where he worked as an indentured servant. As a young child, I spent hours watching him toil in the fields, eking out a living.
As a teenager, I helped my grandfather by setting up fruit displays, waiting on customers, and even balancing the books. My grandfather showed me the meaning of resilience. These early experiences on his farm taught me the importance of getting a good education to build a better life for myself and my family. I set a goal of going to college in the United States. I arrived in the U.S. as a young man with nothing but $50 in my pocket and aspiration in my heart.
Athletic Achievements and Education
Athleticism and success in judo competitions earned me a spot in the Olympic training camp for judo and brought me to the beautiful state of Colorado. I trained in Colorado Springs from 1993 to 2007. Although I never made it to the Olympics, my years of training instilled in me a strong sense of determination and finely honed self-discipline. While training for the Olympics, I attended the University of Colorado, receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1997. I subsequently attained my Master of Arts in Political Science in 2002, Criminal Justice in 2004, and Public Administration in 2007.
Military Service and Leadership
After leaving the sport of judo in 2007, I enlisted in the United States Army until February 2011. I served as a liaison between military command and private governments in various worldwide locations in Southwest Asia and the Middle East. In addition, I led a multi-disciplinary team and received the prestigious Valorous Unit Award and the Red Cross Distinguished Cross for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. After completing my active duty service, I enlisted in the Army Reserve. I also served as a civilian advisor and contractor for the Department of Defense in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. Following the military draw-down in the region, I returned to Colorado as a disabled veteran and started a drone company specializing in aerial surveillance and photography.
Career in Education
Following my military service, I built my career in education. I have a Colorado Teaching license with certifications in Social Studies and Special Education. I have taught in Colorado middle and high schools, including schools providing alternative education for at-risk youth. My recent teaching experience includes working as a special education teacher and as an online teacher. In conjunction with my teaching activities, I have also served as a coach and tutor and have been active as an educational leader in various settings. I have a strong commitment to education and to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed. As part of my commitment to education, I have also continued to pursue my own advanced education, attaining my Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from Creighton University in 2019.
Community Involvement and Vision
" The Colorado Springs area has been my home for over two decades. I live and work here and have contributed to my community through my teaching, volunteer service, and coaching activities. As a strong leader and someone who not only believes in but acts on the principles of servant leadership, I know that the El Paso County Commissioner position will enable me to make direct contributions to the community. I believe in sensible spending and pledge to reflect the values and priorities of our community in addressing the District 2 Commission’s concerns, including water, land use, the allocation of policing, and other important issues under the Commission’s authority. "
