Shiela Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, has turned her visionary leadership into a force for community revitalization.
As the first African American woman to hold stakes in three major professional sports teams—the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and Washington Mystics (WNBA)—Johnson has a legacy that goes beyond sports.
During a recent interview, Johnson reflected on her journey, from co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) to transforming the small town of Middleburg, Virginia, through her luxury resort chain.
After selling BET, she sought a new purpose and found it in reenergizing a struggling community.
“When I moved here,” Johnson recounted, “this community was totally bankrupt.”
Determined to make a difference, she invested in the area, purchasing over 340 acres to develop the Salamander Resort and Spa.
Despite initial resistance—she noted the backlash with “I forgot I was south of the Mason-Dixon line, and all hell broke loose”—Johnson persevered.
The resort now serves as an economic engine, driving revenue for Middleburg, which has since become Virginia’s wealthiest historic town.
Through her commitment to economic empowerment and community development, Johnson exemplifies the impact that vision and resilience can have, not only on an individual level but across entire communities.
