Memphis-Shelby County Schools has hired a new strategic communications officer ― and many know him for his work as a comedian and media personality.
MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins has tapped Jermaine Johnson to be strategic communications officer. He has worked in Alabama ― Feagins’ home state ― as a nonprofit communications leader, media personality, and comedian who goes by the nickname “FunnyMaine.” He’ll now lead a three-year strategy to strengthen MSCS’ TV and radio station, public relations effort, and constituent services; and Feagins wants him to help ensure the district’s message resonates effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
“Jermaine brings an incredible mix of experience, creativity, and strategic insight to our district,” she said in a press release. “His proven track record in communications and community engagement will be invaluable as we work to enhance our district’s visibility and impact.”
Johnson was previously the director of communications for the Norwood Resource Center, a Birmingham-based nonprofit, where he secured $500,000 in corporate donations for underserved communities, and used major events ― like SEC games ― to raise the organization’s profile.
He has also worked as a teacher and admissions counselor, and he found success as an on-air radio personality at Summit Media, a Birmingham broadcasting group, where he increased revenue and listener engagement.
Then there’s Johnson’s work in comedy.
His website describes him as a “lifetime class clown,” and says he has been a professional comedian since 2005. He has featured for Kevin Hart and Steve Harvey, among others; and his YouTube Channel ― which often focuses on University of Alabama football ― has 113,000 subscribers. He also has 120,000 followers on Instagram and 533,000 followers on Facebook , and he performs around the country.
In 2025, he is slated to have shows in Virginia Beach and Richmond, Virginia, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Stillman College, and he was named one of the “100 most influential African Americans of 2020” by the magazine The Root.
He placed 74th o n The Root’s list, which commended him for his effort to get a 115-year-old Confederate statue in Birmingham removed after the killing of George Floyd.
John Klyce covers education and children's issues for The Commercial Appeal. You can reach him at John.klyce@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MSCS names Alabama comedian, media personality Jermaine 'FunnyMaine' Johnson strategic communications officer
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