ChangeMakers: Ephie Ballard-Johnson

Ephie Ballard-Johnson was born in Memphis, TN. After graduating from Treadwell High School, she attended the University of Memphis where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a concentration in technical writing. She then worked as an educator in the Memphis City School System for a number of years before serving as the Administrative Director of Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc., a nonprofit Christian organization that employs over 60 staff members and provides many programs and assistance for 50,000 neighbors in need annually. After ten years as Administrative Director, she seceded her mother and NCC founding director, JoeAnn Ballard, as President/CEO of theNeighborhood Christian Centers (NCC) in 2008. Since that time, Mrs. Johnson has spearheaded the creation of the Early Childhood Brain Development program- Operation Smart Child- in partnership with The Urban Childhood Institute, organized the First Ladies for Healthy Babies Network with the support of Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam. Along with a committed staff, Ephie has a heart for the Memphis community, she is committed to the plight of the elimination of poverty through her service at NCC. Mrs. Johnson is the host of FOX 13 WHBQ’s “Faith Forum” and also serves on the Advisory Council at Memphis Light Gas & Water, is a Board Member of On the Grove Music, and is a CAB Board Member of the Department of Human Services. In addition to her work with NCC, Ephie works as a professional vocalist and songwriter, as well as a noted inspirational speaker. Her love for the Lord has inspired Ephie to write beautiful Christian Music, including her single The King is Here. She has been a keynote speaker for various faith-based, community service, and women’s focused conferences throughout the country and around the world, most recently traveling to Japan, Guyana, Kenya, and Argentina. Ephie is married to Rodney, her husband of 20 years, and has two beautiful children, Andre and Jonathan. They attend Hope Presbyterian Church She and Rodney have been members of Hope Presbyterian Church’s worship team for 16 years, under the leadership of Grammy and Dove award winner Bruce Carroll. Learn more: http://ephiejohnsonlive.com The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com