Tavon Johnson ’16

Tavon Johnson (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, WVU Tech ’16) is a first-generation college graduate from Baltimore, Maryland, whose journey from student leader to professional in sustainable automation reflects determination, vision, and a deep commitment to progress. He credits his faith and family for instilling in him perseverance, curiosity, and a heart for service. These principles continue to be a guiding light for his life and career.

Tavon Johnson (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, WVU Tech ’16) is a first-generation college graduate from Baltimore, Maryland, whose journey from student leader to professional in sustainable automation reflects determination, vision, and a deep commitment to progress. He credits his faith and family for instilling in him perseverance, curiosity, and a heart for service. These principles continue to be a guiding light for his life and career.

At WVU Tech, Johnson was an active and influential leader on campus. He served as President of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Senator in the Student Government Association, and Resident Assistant in Maclin Hall. He co-founded the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering Design Exposition, presented research at the West Virginia Capitol’s Undergraduate Research Day, and published a peer-reviewed paper on renewable energy applications at the University of Alabama - Birmingham. For his academic and extracurricular excellence and dedication, he received the Presidential Leadership Award from the College of Engineering.

Johnson began his professional career with Emerson Automation Solutions, where he advanced through engineering, proposal, and project management roles supporting large-scale energy and process automation projects across North America. His contributions extended beyond technical leadership; he helped establish Emerson’s System and Software Group Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, co-organized company-wide initiatives to strengthen workplace culture, and was the recipient of the Culture Award for his impact on employee engagement and inclusion.

He currently serves as North America Automation Sales Manager for Valmet, a global leader in automation and energy technology. In this role, he works with customers across the energy sector in North America and East Asia to advance digitalization, optimize operations, and support the transition toward more sustainable energy production.

A proud mentor and advocate for STEM education, Johnson gives back to the same program that first inspired his career, FIRST Robotics. He actively mentors high school students on Team 3260, SHARP Robotics, in Pittsburgh. He also remains active in the church and his community through volunteer service and outreach initiatives.

Johnson earned his master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Operations from the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

He resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a proud dog dad to Maverick. Johnson remains deeply thankful for his faith, family, and community, whose support and grounding influence continue to guide his purpose and leadership.