Jennifer Johnson
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisitions and Senior Procurement Executive, Department of Health and Human Services
As HHS’s deputy assistant secretary for acquisitions and senior procurement executive, Jennifer Johnson oversees the strategic management, oversight and execution of the department’s acquisition programs. She leads departmentwide acquisition strategy, sets procurement policy, ensures compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and oversees major procurements to support HHS mission priorities.
Johnson serves as HHS’s principal authority on procurement policy, acquisition innovation and contracting operations. She drives modernization initiatives such as category management, agile procurement practices and technology-enabled acquisition solutions, while advising senior leaders on risk management, procurement reform, strategic sourcing and vendor engagement.
Workforce development is a core focus, as she champions training, certification and career growth for the acquisition workforce. Her prior roles include executive director for acquisition policy, legislative oversight and workforce at HHS, associate director for acquisition policy, oversight and business strategies at the Department of Transportation and nearly a decade in progressively senior acquisition positions at the Federal Highway Administration. This blend of policy, oversight and operational experience positions her to advance federal priorities to reduce cost, streamline operations and strengthen acquisition efficiency across HHS.
Why Watch
In the year ahead, Johnson’s leadership will be key as HHS continues to modernize procurement, expand category management and embed agile, tech-enabled acquisition practices. Her focus on workforce readiness and strategic sourcing will shape how the department delivers mission outcomes while maintaining strong governance and stewardship of taxpayer resources.