Byron Johnson Appointed Chairman of the Board of First Candle

Byron Johnson has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors First Candle, it was announced by CEO and Executive Director Alison Jacobson.

Johnson is Vice President, Public Affairs at Fleishman Hillard, a global public relations agency with 79 offices in more than 30 countries. An experienced public relations and issues advocacy professional, Johnson’s accounts include March of Dimes and Johnson & Johnson.

He joined the First Candle board in 2019 and has helped the organization in its collaborations with diverse maternal and infant health organizations as it expands its outreach to offer education and support to families as well as health care providers.

“Working with First Candle over the past few years has been an honor, especially when working with our fantastic staff during the challenges and triumphs associated with our work.  Now I can add “humbled” and “grateful” to my emotions when I think about the trust and faith the board members have placed in me during this exciting time for our organization,” says Johnson.  “I look forward to working with our board and staff to help create an environment where mothers can receive top-notch education and care before giving birth, mothers and babies are safe and thriving after birth, and families everywhere are celebrating their baby’s first birthdays and every birthday after that!”

Johnson currently resides in Washington, D.C.

About First Candle: First Candle, based in New Canaan, CT, is a 501c (3) committed to eliminating Sudden Unexpected Infant Death while providing bereavement support for families who have suffered a loss. Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), includes SIDS and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ASSB), remains the leading cause of death for babies one month to one year of age, resulting in 3,400 infant deaths nationwide per year.