AUSTIN LORD/GATHER PORTRAIT STUDIO
Karen Johnson
Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Music City. Now they’re taking a break from their busy schedules to share their success stories with us.
THE DAILY HUSTLE
I oversee the recording of all documents pertaining to property ownership in Davidson County. Our land records date back to before Tennessee was a state, and we make them accessible to our customers and the public at large. In a department with a reputation for excellent service, I have made it a priority to take our services to new levels of technology. For instance, we have a new mobile app and an instant alert to help homeowners avert mortgage fraud, plus we have expanded services for veterans.
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
Even when I was a young mom working full-time and completing my education, I was passionate about getting involved in my community. When our street was in disrepair, I joined the homeowner’s association. When my boys started public school, I was in the PTA. As a young woman, I took two tracks: civic and corporate. With an MBA in management, I worked at the director level at places like HCA, Shoney’s Inc., and the State of Tennessee. At the same time, I pursued my civic passion and caught the attention of Mayor Bill Purcell, who named me to the Boards of Parks and Recreation and Zoning Appeals. I was elected to the School Board, then to two terms on the Metro Council. In 2018, the civic side became full-time when the people of Nashville Davidson County elected me the first African American and the first woman Register of Deeds. Earlier this year, I won re-election without opposition.
THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Success is standing strong on the gifts God has given me and seeking every opportunity to put those gifts to work to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a blessing from God to have some measure of intelligence and the energy to work hard and effect change in our community—whether it is helping make a community center possible for kids and seniors, giving homeowners better tools to protect their property, or making sure our staff was safe while we worked through the worst of the COVID pandemic. Success is ever evolving, and there is always a new pinnacle to reach for.
THE NASHVILLE CONNECTION
How could I help but love Nashville?! It is so dynamic, always getting better. It’s like a brilliant canvas where so many gifted people can paint their own success. And I’ve had the good fortune to step into that dynamic and succeed. I was educated here, sent my sons, Christopher and Jonathan Oye, to public schools here, and now, they are pursuing their passions here. They have begun a coffee business, Oye Coffee Co., which draws on their Nigerian heritage.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
Regardless of what you aspire to, I would advise any young woman to know herself. Own your gifts, stand strong on your blessings, and look beyond the word “no.” For the young women who are interested in public service, get involved with what matters in your neighborhood and our city. Volunteer to help a political candidate you believe in, sign up to be an intern in a government office, and know no bounds when it comes to getting the best education available. Do all that, and you will turn around and realize that your first public office is just one election away.
Meet Karen Johnson and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 300 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!