About Me

Johnny is a prominent figure with a multifaceted background and a wide range of experiences. He calls the United States of America his home and holds three significant leadership roles. Firstly, he serves as the President of the J Riley Consulting  Group, LLC. Secondly, he holds the prestigious position of President and CEO at Bridging the GAPS Ministries International, a global non-profit organization dedicated to leadership development and mentorship. In addition to his leadership roles, Thirdly, He serves as Senior Pastor of the Historic Mt. Orange Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas.

Johnny is a published author, having penned several noteworthy books, including "Crabology," "From The Heart," "From The Heart Too," and "The Last Week of Jesus' Life."
Johnny is a sought-after speaker who annually addresses audiences at conferences worldwide. He has delivered impactful speeches in various locations, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Johannesburg in South Africa, Jos Plateau State in Nigeria, Abuja in Nigeria, Lagos State in Nigeria, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala. Johnny's commitment to service extends to advisory roles in numerous African and Central American countries, where his insights and expertise are highly regarded. Notably, he was honored to be selected by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to speak at the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington in Washington DC.

Prior to his current roles, Johnny held influential positions within the Louisiana Workforce Commission (formerly the Department of Labor). He served as the Director of the Office of Workforce Development and later as the Deputy Director - Emerging Workforce, appointed by the State of Louisiana's Governor, Bobby Jindal. In these roles, Johnny oversaw a comprehensive range of workforce development programs, managed a substantial annual budget of $150 million, and played a pivotal role in coordinating labor resources during the BP Oil Spill cleanup, one of the most significant man-made disasters in the United States.

Further showcasing his leadership acumen, Johnny also served as the Director of Community Affairs for the City of Monroe, where he managed a substantial annual budget of $10 million. Under his leadership, the Monroe Civic Center Complex achieved a surplus for the first time in its 30-plus-year history, a testament to his ability to foster successful public-private partnerships.

Earlier in his career, Johnny contributed significantly to State Farm Insurance Companies, where he played a vital role in developing the former State Farm Bank. His roles at State Farm included Assistant Manager of the Education and Development Department, State Farm International Services Car Finance Program Coordinator, Co-Chairperson of the Mid-South Diversity Council, Director of Emerging Markets, and Accounting Supervisor. During his tenure as the program director of the State Farm International's Car Finance Program, Johnny consistently ranked number one in production for several consecutive months.

Johnny remains actively engaged in various community and professional organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Black Community Development and Chamber of Commerce for the State of Arkansas. He has also contributed his expertise to multiple state boards in Louisiana, including the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board, Louisiana Council on the Provision of Governmental Services to Latin Americans, and Louisiana’s Inmate & Workforce Advisory Council. Additionally, Johnny is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, specifically affiliated with the Kappa Delta Lambda Chapter, and was a former active member of the Eta Delta Lambda Chapter of North Louisiana. Johnny's diverse experiences and dedication to leadership and community service are truly commendable.