At the Buncombe County Republican Party’s Convention on Saturday, March 1, 2008, the BCGOP elected Dr. Timothy F. Johnson as Chairman of the party, to serve until March 2009. Dr. Johnson is the founder of the Black Republicans of Western North Carolina and is the first African-American to serve as the Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party. His nomination, election, and short speech to the delegation on the importance of inclusiveness inspired 3 standing ovations.

Dr. Johnson is the President and CEO of Leadership 101, a leadership training company. Dr. Johnson has served in the US Army. He serves on several boards and is an Adjunct Professor at Shaw University. He is married to Latessa Johnson, Director of Student Services at Asheville City Schools. They are members of the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He has four children from his previous marriage and is the proud grandfather of two