Alumni Spotlight
Eric Johansson ’93
Major: Marketing (Management)
Occupation: Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Oxford Life Insurance Company
After graduating in 1993, Eric Johansson was determined to “put to use” his newly earned Marketing degree. He accepted a position in Waxahachie, Texas, as the Marketing Development Coordinator for Christian Fidelity Life Insurance Company.
While at Christian Fidelity, Eric worked diligently in the marketing department with much success. Heeding the advice of his father, professor emeritus Dr. Calvin M. Johansson, as well as his favorite professor and mentor, Dr. Dennis Wubbena, Eric was careful to demonstrate a servant’s heart (i.e. a willingness to do anything!), eventually leading to assignments in all departments of the company. This multidisciplinary training, while often routine, forged the path for his future success.
In late 2000, Christian Fidelity was purchased by Oxford Life Insurance Company of Phoenix, Arizona. After a few months of transition, Eric was challenged to become the company’s Program Manager and “expert” for the $110-million Medicare supplement line of business, which was experiencing many issues, including a multimillion dollar annual operating loss. By the end of 2001, losses had become profits and new business was soaring.
In 2005, the dramatic success of the Medicare supplement line of business propelled Eric to the position of Director of Marketing and Strategic Development, where he managed the company’s regional sales directors, product development team, and strategic technology group.
In early 2007, Eric was appointed Vice President and became a corporate officer. His knowledge of all departments, along with his aptitude as a mediator, led to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, directing the policyholder service, premium accounting, claims, and information technology departments.
Eric attributes his success not to the specific minutia that he learned at Evangel but the foundational principles taught and demonstrated by its faculty. “I’ve never gained or lost a promotion based on my ability to recite the 4 P’s of marketing, but the foundation of who I am—my character, integrity, and Christian worldview—has repeatedly played a role.”
Eric married Jennifer Wilson, daughter of Assemblies of God missionaries Billy and Jo Wilson (Rwanda), on March 8, 1997. Together, they share in the joy of their two children, Madison Kate (8), and Ethan Scott (5). Jennifer is a registered nurse, working hard to bless the lives of our nation’s veterans at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix.
Eric and Jennifer are very involved in their local church. Eric has served as a deacon and men’s ministries director. Jennifer has worked with woman’s ministries, the nursery, and as missions coordinator. In 2005, they both helped to start Summit of Hope A/G church in Buckeye, Arizona.
“Evangel played a key role in equipping me for the tasks of life,” Eric said. “I am grateful for the sacrifices made by the faculty and staff that result in their ability to continue pouring themselves into the lives of students.”