Van C. Johnson, center, retired Fulton County Deputy Land Administrator, received a proclamation from Commission Vice Chairman William “Bill” Edwards, second from right, during a recent board meeting.

Johnson, who spent more than 22 years with Fulton County, began as a Housing Manager, then joined the Land Division of the General Services Department as a Right-of-Way Agent, becoming the first African American to handle real estate transactions for the county.

He also was the first African American Deputy and Acting Land Administrator. He worked on land acquisitions for projects such as roads, water and sewer, libraries and health centers. During his tenure, the Fayetteville, Ga. resident earned numerous honors, including Employee of the Year.

Also pictured are (from left) his daughter Brandi Johnson Jenkins; General Services Director Willie Hopkins; Johnson’s wife Sandra; Commissioners Emma I. Darnell, Robb Pitts and Nancy A. Boxill; and Commission Chairman John H. Eaves.