Brandon Johansen is leaving Fresno City Hall, where he helped shaped Mayor Jerry Dyer’s image. He is headed for a similar role at Valley Children’s Hospital.

A former reporter at ABC 30, Johansen is joining VCH’s marketing and communication team starting next month. He served in Dyer’s administration since December 2021. Before, he worked three-plus years at ABC 30.

“I’m proud of the small role I played in the Dyer administration and the significant, historic work that has been — and will continue to be — accomplished for the betterment of Fresno and its people,” Johansen said.

His new job will see him working with Zara Arboleda, the hospital’s longtime public relations officer. She is a former CBS 47 news anchor.

A Bad PR Year for Suntrapak

Valley Children’s CEO Todd Suntrapak suffered a tough public relations year in 2024, and City Hall insiders speculate that Johansen will be charged with restoring Suntrapak’s once glowing image.

Last March, GV Wire’s Edward Smith revealed that Suntrapak’s compensation package totaled $5 million for 2021 — considerably more than many of the leaders at other children’s hospitals throughout the nation. He also received a forgivable loan to purchase a home in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

The news did not sit well with the community. Politicians battered Suntrapak. Radio talkwaves echoed with the public blasting the hospital leader.

Fresno city councilmembers Garry Bredefeld and Miguel Arias held a news conference and criticized Suntrapak’s compensation. They called for investigations into the arrangement, which fell on deaf ears.

Bredefeld and Suntrapak previously sparred over school shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

VCH’s response to the criticism also missed the mark, several in the community said. An outside PR firm said the hospital “has always been dedicated to transparency and accountability,” despite denying media organizations like GV Wire interviews or information.

Suntrapak finally spoke to ABC 30 in June, but his answers did not satisfy many critics, who dismissed the questions asked during the interview as fluff.

The flap over Suntrapak’s compensation compounded criticisms over Valley Children paying to name the former Bulldog Stadium, home of Fresno State football; VCH’s investment portfolio; and a city of Fresno investigation into alleged wage theft by the hospital.

Despite Suntrapak’s sinking image, the hospital retains its world class reputation for care. Earlier this month, VCH won the “Eureka” award from the California Council for Excellence, based on the hospital’s performance.

The city of Fresno is already looking for Johansen’s replacement. Communications director Sontaya Rose posted information on LinkedIn.

Johansen earned a shade under $80,000, according to his publicly available contract.