Cheryl Johnson serves as PCR’s Executive Director. She is the daughter of the late Ms. Hazel Johnson who founded PCR and is known as the Mother of Environmental Justice. Cheryl learned the fundamentals of community organizing from her mother and carries on the work of PCR’s mission to enhance the quality of life of residents living in communities affected by pollution. A lifelong resident of Altgeld Gardens, Cheryl is a well-known and highly trusted community leader. She is a fierce advocate for economic equity and environmental community benefits for south side residents. Cheryl has played an integral role in the functioning and success of PCR’s programs and administration since 1987. In 2001, she assumed the role of PCR’s Executive Director. Under her leadership, PCR has continued to work for environmental justice and economic equity, expanding our outreach across the region. Since then, PCR has stopped discriminatory recruiting practices from the Ford Motor Company on the far south side, prevented hundreds of units in Altgeld Gardens from being torn down and displacing residents, pressured the CHA to create a redevelopment plan that included community input, secured safe environmental cleanup on the southside and stopped (another) landfill from being placed in our community. Cheryl’s deep community connection and long-term vision for a thriving far south side and commitment to carrying her late mother’s legacy fuels her work. Cheryl recently served on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, the Illinois Environmental Justice Commission, and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition Environmental Justice Subcommittee. She is also a certified trainer International Chemical Workers Union Health and Safety Council/Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Cheryl currently serves on the National Environmental Protection Act subcommittee.