Christopher O. Johnson
Fifth Third Securities, Inc.
Vice President of Investment Banking & Economic Development

Christopher O. Johnson joined Fifth Third Securities in April 2003 as Vice President of Investment Banking & Economic Development. Mr. Johnson brings more than 21 years experience in economic development and non-profit management, as well as city and state government experience to Fifth Third.         

As Vice President, Investment Banking & Economic Development, Mr. Johnson will works with corporate clients and economic development agencies throughout the Fifth Third Bank footprint to structure and arrange financing for development projects.  The Fifth Third Economic Development Group and is responsible for the integration of capital market products and public incentive financing to provide the most effective overall financing solutions for companies and the communities.  The Fifth Third Economic Development Group provides expertise on financing products in both sectors to provide highly structured and well integrated financing products for expansions, renovations or new construction of corporate offices, research facilities, warehouse and distribution and not-for-profit facilities.

Prior to joining Fifth Third, Mr. Johnson was a Vice President of the Economic Development Group at NatCity Investments.    As part of the Economic Development unit, Mr. Johnson arranged corporate and not for profit facility financing, as well as providing economic development advisory services to municipalities.  Mr. Johnson holds Series 52, Series 63 and the Series 7 licenses. 

Mr. Johnson was actively involved in urban redevelopment with nine over nine years as the Executive Director of MidTown Cleveland.  Midtown Cleveland is a not-for-profit development corporation involved in the redevelopment of a commercial and industrial area adjacent to downtown Cleveland as well as academic and research institutions.  At MidTown Mr. Johnson was involved with land redevelopment, brownfields, structuring public financing packages and the management of a 250-member business association.

Mr. Johnson has worked in both city and state economic development agencies and was the first project director of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Mr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Public Management from Georgetown University.  Mr. Johnson lives in Lakewood, Ohio with his wife Jane and their two children.  He is actively involved in a number of community organizations.