Executive Director, Make Santa Fe
James W. Johnson is a creative leader, technologist, and community builder with a passion for accessible innovation and hands-on education. As Executive Director of Make Santa Fe, James has led a transformative era of growth for the organization—expanding its reach, refining its educational offerings, and deepening its impact across Northern New Mexico’s maker community.
Under James’s leadership, Make Santa Fe has launched a series of ambitious initiatives that reflect his belief that anyone can be a maker. These include the introduction of comprehensive Track Courses, which offer structured pathways for learners across disciplines such as CNC fabrication, ceramics, blacksmithing, electronics, and digital design. He also spearheaded the Power Tool Racing & Maker Olympics, a wildly successful annual fundraiser that has become a flagship event, celebrating the joy of invention while supporting the organization’s mission.
James played a central role in securing funding from local and national partners—including the City of Santa Fe and Los Alamos National Laboratory—for new programs like Making a Business, a track course that equips makers with entrepreneurial skills. He also led the development of functional practices, a new way for members to engage with tools and training that mirrors real-world applications in art, design, and industrial trades.
In addition to his work at Make Santa Fe, James is the founder and CEO of Mindshare Labs, a creative web development firm specializing in digital solutions for mission-driven organizations. Through Mindshare Labs, he has overseen the design and development of websites for nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions across the Southwest—most recently including the Museum of International Folk Art’s digital exhibition platform for Between the Lines: Prison Art and Advocacy.
A dedicated advocate for arts and culture, James also serves on the board of the Santa Fe Playhouse, where he contributes his expertise in governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. His unique blend of creative direction, technical fluency, and organizational leadership has made him a trusted voice in Santa Fe’s creative economy.
James maintains artistic inspiration through photography, metalwork, and as a scenic designer. outside of his professional career you might find him working on personal art projects which blurring the line between analog grit and digital precision.