Trip Leaders

A 1982 alumnus, Eric returned to Concordia College in 2005 where after serving in a variety of roles in the Advancement Division, Eric Johnson assumed his current role as the Alumni Relations Director in 2013. Prior to his second career at Concordia, Eric earned his JD from the University of Minnesota in 1985 and accepted a commission into the US Navy as a judge advocate general. He served six years of active duty and an additional 17 years in the reserves assigned primarily to postings related to military justice and operational law. Upon his release from active duty in 1991, he assumed positions in the Ramsey County and US Attorney’s offices as a prosecutor specializing primarily in gang, narcotics and terrorism offenses and also Homeland Security as an agency counsel. Including his staff role on Concordia trips to Germany (2022) and Norway (2023), Eric has traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Europe, North Africa and the Persian Gulf with significant periods of residence in Spain (3.5 years), London and Italy.

Michelle Johnson is a 1989 graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth where she studied Communications and Business.  After a period of time in banking, and time at home raising her three children, Michelle turned her gifts toward ministry.  She has served for the past 13 years in several roles at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, most recently as the Associate Director of Care Ministries.  Michelle recently completed a two-year spiritual direction program at Christos Center for Spiritual Formation in Lino Lakes, Minnesota and serves as a Spiritual Director.  Michelle has travel experiences in London, Portugal, and Italy.  One of her favorite domestic trips was a road trip to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Eric and Michelle were married in November 2023.  They divide their time between Moorhead, the Twin Cities and Atlanta where they enjoy spending time with their blended family of six children, their spouses, partners and one especially spoiled granddaughter.