Johnny Key

Partner | State Superintendent Engagement

Johnny Key joined Strategos Group in March 2023. He served as secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education from 2019 to 2023 and as commissioner of the department from 2015 to 2019, overseeing the state’s 237 school districts and 18 charter school systems. Under Key’s leadership, the department developed a vision to transform Arkansas into a national leader of student-focused education. Arkansas became a national leader in computer science and  literacy education.

Johnny was also Vice President for University Relations at the University of Arkansas System from 2014 to 2015. Key also served as a state senator in Arkansas from 2009 to 2014, holding  leadership positions, including minority leader and chair of the Senate Education Committee, among others. Johnny was a state representative from 2003 to 2008.