County names economic development director, first woman and African American to hold the position

CLEARWATER — Cynthia Johnson has been named director of Pinellas County Economic Development, the first woman and the first African American to hold the position.

Johnson, who got the job after a national search, is a familiar face at county offices and boardrooms. She joined the department 20 years ago and most recently worked as director of small business and supplier diversity. In that role, she increased local vendor participation and redesigned the Small Business Enterprise Program, according to the county.