Stephen Johnson 2025
Steven Johnson, a native of Kansas, has been honored with the 2024 Agricultural Economics Department Distinguished Alumni Award. His journey from a cattle and grain farm to the state treasurer’s office is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and financial acumen.
Born and raised near Assaria, Kansas, he graduated from Southeast Saline High School, and went on to study Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, where he was elected Student Body President and graduated with honors.
“There are so many distinguished alumni across the Department and College of Agriculture that are doing phenomenal things across the agriculture industry. I am so honored to be recognized,” Johnson said. “At K-State, the overall experience, economic framework of thinking, and learning how to maximize the assets you have were outstanding.”
“It’s been fun to reflect on my time at K-State and to think about the development of K-State, and the vision being shared with today’s students to meet the needs of the future. I am inspired by our past developments that will lead to remarkable innovations in our future,” Johnson said.
While at K-State, he worked with Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh and Dr. Bryan Schurle who further shaped his economic perspective.
“I still remember Dr. Schurle’s hamburgers and Cokes lecture on marginal utility. How many Cokes will I give up for someone else’s hamburgers? What are the tradeoffs?’ Johnson said. “While working with Dr. Schurle and Dr. Flinchbaugh, I also learned more about the state of Kansas and all the counties – their locations and economies. This information has been helpful in my time as State Treasurer.”
Johnson’s roots run deep in Kansas agriculture. His involvement in 4-H and leadership roles in youth organizations fostered his skills as a communicator and collaborator. Active in youth programs, he held several leadership positions, including the National President of the Rural Electric Youth Program that allowed him to travel throughout the country.
After college, Steven went to work for Ameriprise, a financial services firm. He also received his MBA from the University of Chicago with an emphasis in finance and business policy. At Ameriprise, Steven was awarded the firm’s highest individual and team awards for his lead in creating a software program calculating the highest return investment portfolio for a particular need.
“Between 1992 and 2013, we were able to not only calculate the portfolios but calibrate the success of the projections to meet reality. I continue to use this market and planning expertise for the state as well as in my farming operation,” he said.
His interest and expertise in financial issues during the economic downturn of 2008-09 was a catalyst in his decision to enter public service. Johnson ran for the Kansas legislature and was elected in 2010. His financial and agricultural background led to committee appointments including Chairman of the Tax Committee, Chairman of Insurance and Pensions Committee, and a member of committees including Appropriations and Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Johnson was elected the state’s 42nd state treasurer in 2022. He assumed office on January 9, 2023 and he is committed to serving Kansas as both a reliable banker for state funds and a responsible fiduciary of invested dollars.
“As treasurer, I work with handling money for the state. The office handles the books and payments. I focus on the allocation of money in each portfolio, putting it to work within the appropriate risk constraints. We have several great saving programs and a loan program through partner banks for agriculture producers. Our unclaimed department works to return assets to our citizens. That one is fun to help people identify when they are the rightful owners of money we are holding,” he said.
Johnson continues to farm wheat, soybeans, corn and milo on the family farm. He is an active member of the Assaria Lutheran Church where he serves on the finance committee. Johnson has put his investment expertise to work for several non-profit entities, including serving on the investment committee of his church, the K-State Foundation and the Kansas 4-H Foundation.