​​​As the N.C. Department of Transportation's general counsel, Daniel Johnson serves as the senior advisor to the Office of the Secretary.
Johnson plays a crucial role in strategic planning, contract and personnel oversight as well as negotiations and decision-making for critical infrastructure projects throughout North Carolina. He also functions as a key liaison between the department, the Office of the Governor, other agencies and board members.
Prior to being named general counsel in May 2019, Johnson served as NCDOT's deputy general counsel for two years.
His career also includes working in private practice as well as public service as an assistant district attorney in Wake County. He also served as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his military service, Johnson worked for U.S. Sen. Max Cleland, of Georgia, before attending law school.
A native of Hickory, Johnson is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also received his law degree.