New Executive Director of International Business Development Begins Role on June 15
Northwood University is pleased to announce Andrew Johnson has been named Executive Director of International Business Development, a new leadership role supporting the university’s global student engagement, international enrollment growth, and broader internationalization strategy.
“Internationalization is a priority for Northwood University as we prepare students to lead in a global economy,” said Academic Vice President and Provost Dr. Kristin Stehouwer. “This new role reflects the importance of strengthening our ability to serve students and partners worldwide. Andrew Johnson brings a rare combination of international affairs, entrepreneurship, economic development, and strategic relationship-building experience that will help Northwood advance this work with focus and purpose.”
Johnson begins his new role on June 15 with more than two decades of cross-sector leadership experience that also includes healthcare innovation and public sector collaboration. Prior to joining Northwood, he served as program manager for the Global Entrepreneur in Residence program at Global Detroit, where he helped scale a statewide network connecting international entrepreneurs with Michigan universities and startup ecosystems.
Earlier in his career, Johnson served as a deputy branch chief and foreign liaison officer with the U.S. Department of Defense. His service included two tours in Afghanistan and postings that supported operations and partnerships throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. His professional background has focused heavily on international engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, strategic operations, and relationship building across complex global environments.
Johnson also has a deep passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. An entrepreneur himself, he co-founded Mimir Health Intelligence, an Austin-based healthcare data analytics startup focused on leveraging data and technology to improve healthcare insights and operational decision-making. He has also held leadership and strategy roles across healthcare innovation and digital health initiatives, including positions at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
“I am honored to join Northwood University at such an important time in its global growth,” Johnson said. “Northwood’s entrepreneurial spirit and mission to create free-enterprise leaders who drive global social and economic progress are deeply aligned with my own professional journey. I look forward to helping expand Northwood’s international reach and strengthening partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for students and communities around the world.”
A Fulbright Scholar, Johnson earned his master’s degree in international affairs from the University of Denver and his bachelor’s degree in French and international studies from DePaul University. He speaks French and conversational Arabic.
“Northwood’s free-enterprise mission has global relevance,” Stehouwer said. “As America’s Free Enterprise University, we have an important opportunity to engage students and partners across borders, cultures, and markets. Andrew’s background will help us build on that opportunity and further position Northwood as a university with international reach and impact.”
