AGA NLT 2025

Cardell Johnson
Director, Natural Resources and Environment
GAO


Cardell Johnson is a Senior Executive in GAO’s Natural Resource and Environment (NRE) team. He leads the agency’s oversight work on the federal government’s management of public lands and water resources, including mineral, coastal and marine resources, as well as wildfire management, fresh water supply and National Weather Service programs. In his executive capacity, Cardell also testifies as an expert witness before Congress on various land management and water resources topics. In addition to his mission facing executive role, Cardell is the Acting Managing Director for GAO’s Office of Continuous Process Improvement—stewarding the agency’s change and transformation initiatives. Prior to joining GAO, Cardell served as the Director of Quality Assurance and Risk Management at the United States Agency for International Development, Office of the Inspector General (USAID OIG). Cardell also worked at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Senior Budget Analyst and Director of Performance Improvement and Organizational Development. During his 18 year tenure in the federal government, Cardell developed expertise in leading organizational change and transformation, process improvement, organizational development, and people leadership—including psychological safety in the workplace. Cardell earned a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana University–Bloomington, O’Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Cardell also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Alma College and holds professional certifications in Change Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Strength Based Coaching.

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