LONGTIME COCHRAN AIDE NAMED TO MANSFIELD FELLOWSHIP

Jackson Native to Participate in Two-Year Program Focused on U.S.-Japan Cooperation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rachelle M. Johnson, a senior aide to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), was today named one of five U.S. government employees selected to take part in the 2009 Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program.

Johnson will begin her two-year program in August.  The fellowship entails Japanese language instruction and a full year in Japan working with Japanese government ministries and agencies.  Johnson is the only 2009 fellow selected from the U.S. Senate.

"Rachelle has proven to be a valuable member of my staff, and I am pleased she has this opportunity to broaden her education and experience.  The fellowship is designed to give professionals like Rachelle a better understanding of our relations with Japan and Asia, and apply that knowledge in their future service to the nation,” Cochran said.

The Mansfield Fellowship Program was established by Congress in 1994 as a government-to-government initiative to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the United States, Japan and other Asian nations.  The program is administered by the nonprofit Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.

Johnson, who joined Cochran’s staff in 1999, is a legislative assistant responsible for advising Cochran on U.S. foreign policy, American foreign development assistance, and federal education policy.  She also volunteers as a reading mentor within the Washington, D.C., public school system.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Johnson earned a Masters of Arts in International Affairs degree from Georgetown University in 2008.  She is the daughter of the Reverend Dr. and Mrs. Hickman and Gladys Marie Johnson of Jackson.  Dr. Johnson is pastor of the Farish Street Baptist Church.

Links:

http://www.mansfieldfdn.org/

http://www.mansfieldfdn.org/fellow/fellow.htm