Gene Johnson '73, chairman and CEO of FairPoint Communications and a member of the Belk College's Business Advisory Council, recently wasinducted as an honorary member of the Eta Alpha Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and was recognized as an "Outstanding Alumnus" by Beta Alpha Psi and the Department of Accounting at their fallbanquet.
Johnson has enjoyed a multitude of business successes since graduation and certainly represents the Belk College with pride. He co-founded FairPoint Communications, Inc. and has served as chief executive officer since January 2002 and chairman since January 2003. Previously, Johnson led FairPoint's corporate development efforts as executive vice president. He has owned a cable television construction company and later became head of the M&A group of Cable Investments, Inc. He also served as president and principal shareholder of JC&A, Inc., an investment banking and brokerage firm providing services to cable TV, telephone and related industries. Additionally, Johnson is a former Captain in the U.S. Army.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Johnson participates in a variety of roles at the university. He serves UNC Charlotte through his membership on the Board of Trustees, the Business Advisory Council for the Belk College and the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board of Directors. Additionally, Johnson is a former member of the Board of Visitors, the Alumni Board of Directors and the Athletic Foundation Board.
"Gene has made the Belk College proud through both his accomplishments and his dedication to the university," said Beth Fischer, director of development for the Belk College. "He is a model alumnus in terms of his genuine engagement and willingness to do whatever he can to advance and promote UNC Charlotte. Recognition by Beta Alpha Psi is just one small way we can honor him for his commitment."