Sharon Harris-Johnson has always had a passion for serving her community, and today she draws from her previous work experiences to broaden the impact of her role as Jackson County Treasurer.
“After retiring from a long career in public education as a teacher, principal and district superintendent, I taught part-time at SIU and then worked as a coordinator for online learning at John A Logan College (JALC),” Harris-Johnson told Carbondale Reporter.
During her time at JALC, Harris-Johnson heard about an opening for a District 3 (Murphysboro) Representative on the Jackson County Board.
Jackson County Treasurer Sharon Harris-Johnson
| Courtesy of Sharon Harris-Johnson
“After winning that seat and serving for a term, I heard that our longtime county treasurer was retiring and decided to enter the race for that office," Harris-Johnson said. "After a successful campaign and serving a term of four years, I was re-elected this fall.”
Harris-Johnson is enthusiastic about the opportunity the position has given her to positively impact the community. As the county treasurer, she is responsible for bookkeeping and paying county bills, collecting and disbursing tax funds, and transferring and working with the county accountant.
“During my tenure as county treasurer, we have automated the entire office, modernized existing software and equipment, provided training for staff in order for them to update skills, and worked to continue providing excellent service to taxpayers, especially the elderly,” Harris-Johnson said.
Harris-Johnson is working hard to make the taxpaying process uncomplicated for residents and hopes that her efforts will free up time for her constituents. In her personal free time, she stays involved in her community through a number of outlets.
“I am currently president of Rotary Club of Carbondale-Breakfast and serve on the Apple Festival Committee in Murphysboro as chair of the civic and not-for-profit booths,” Harris-Johnson said. “My husband, Dennis, and I are also ardent supporters of SIU, especially the theater department, Touch of Nature, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, and Friends of Morris Library. You will see us at many charitable events that benefit organizations in Jackson County, such as the John A Logan Museum and the Women’s Center.”
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