Contact: Mitch Peterson, Can Do Canines Board Chair mitch@mitchpeterson.

com

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, October 29, 2020 —Can Do Canines, a nationally recognized leader in the
placement of assistance dogs for people with disabilities, has selected Jeff Johnson as the new
Executive Director. Johnson will begin at Can Do Canines in December.

Johnson comes to Can Do Canines from his role on the Board of Hennepin County
Commissioners where he has served since 2009. Supporting people across the state of
Minnesota through both elected office and volunteerism is a passion for Johnson. He has held
numerous civic leadership positions at organizations including Northwest Twin Cities Young
Life, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County, and Governor’s Workforce
Development Council.

Johnson stated,”Can Do Canines is a unique organization that helps people in need by creating
this beautiful relationship between a really special dog and a really special person.”

Johnson was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2001 to 2006, serving
as Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Civil Law Committee. He was a two-time
candidate for Governor of Minnesota. Johnson is also the founder of Midwest Employment
Resources, a law practice focused on human resources topics. He holds a JD degree from
Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Illinois.

Chair of the Board, Mitch Peterson shared: “We are so fortunate to welcome someone of Jeff
Johnson’s caliber and experience; he will be 100% focused on advancing our mission
of enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.”

Johnson takes over for long-time leader and founder Alan Peters, who is retiring at the end of
2020 after 31 years. Under Alan’s leadership, Can Do Canines has had a significant impact in
the community, including:

● More than 700 high-quality assistance dogs have been provided to people with
disabilities, all free of charge.
● A $4.4 million capital campaign led to the organization’s current, mortgage-free facility.
● Can Do Canines has earned an impeccable international reputation among Assistance
Dogs International member organizations.

Johnson commends Alan’s contributions to Can Do Canines — “The legacy that Al Peters and
his team have created is really extraordinary, and I’m so thrilled to play a role in extending that
legacy to serve even more people,” he said. Board Chair Peterson added, “Jeff is perfectly
matched to protect the legacy that Al Peters has established to carry our impactful mission into
the future!”
Founded in 1989, Can Do Canines serves individuals throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin providing
specially trained assistance dogs to individuals with disabilities, including hearing loss, mobility
challenges, seizure disorders, type one diabetes, and childhood autism. It is the largest service dog
training organization in the upper Midwest.