August 29, 2025 -- Can Do Canines, a nationally recognized leader in the placement of assistance dogs for people with disabilities, selected Jeff Johnson as the new Executive Director. Johnson began in this role in December 2024. Since 1989, Can Do Canines has provided more than 900 assistance dogs to people with disabilities, all free of charge. The fully trained dogs are provided to clients who live with disabilities that involve mobility challenges, hearing loss or deafness, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypoglycemia unawareness, or childhood autism. They also train facility dogs to be placed in places such as hospitals or with a community service provider.Johnson comes to Can Do Canines from his role on the Board of Hennepin County Commissioners where he has served since 2009. Supporting people across the state of Minnesota through both elected office and volunteerism is a passion for Johnson. He has held numerous civic leadership positions at organizations including Northwest Twin Cities Young Life, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, and Governor’s Workforce Development Council.
Johnson was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006, serving as Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Civil Law Committee. He was a two-time candidate for Governor of Minnesota. Johnson is also the founder of Midwest Employment Resources, a law practice focused on human resources topics. He holds a JD degree from Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Illinois.