Nicole Johnson, DrPH, MPH, MA has worked in diabetes for over 20 years. Although she is most well known for her time as Miss America 1999 when she brought awareness to diabetes by sharing her personal story, she has gained a reputation most recently for her engagement in diabetes research focused on quality of life, psychosocial issues, and family dynamics.

Nicole is the National Director of Mission at JDRF where she uses her behavioral science, public health and communications background to drive strategies for population engagement and understanding. Over the years, Nicole has served on many diabetes advisory boards including the Florida Governor’s Diabetes Advisory Council, the NIH Council of Public Representatives and the national boards for both the American Diabetes Association and JDRF.

In her journalism career, Nicole won a Telly Award for her work on the CNBC diabetes talk show dLife. Her love of journalism lead her to be a columnist for numerous diabetes magazines ,as well as the author of 8 books related to diabetes. Her most recent book is What to Do When Your Partner Has Diabetes: A Survival Guide.

She has a Doctor of Public Health degree, as well as two master’s degrees in Public Health and Communication. She and her daughter live in St. Petersburg, FL.