John O. Johnson serves as Executive Vice President and held the title of Chief Operating Officer from inception until November 2008. Mr. Johnson is a Managing Director of The Spartan Group, a boutique investment banking firm, which he co-founded in 2002. Prior to founding The Spartan Group, Mr. Johnson served in multiple positions with Banc of America Securities from 1984 until 2002, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in 1994. While at Banc of America Securities, he specialized in growth company banking coverage and leveraged buyouts and leveraged finance.