Johnnie Carson (born April 7, 1943) is an American diplomat who has served as United States Ambassador to several African nations.

in History and Political Science in 1965 and later obtained a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in 1975.

Prior to this appointment, Carson served as the Senior Vice President of the National Defense University in Washington D.C. (2003–2006).

Carson's Foreign Service career includes ambassadorships to Kenya (1999–2003), Zimbabwe (1995–1997), and Uganda (1991–1994); and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs (1997–1999).

[2] In March 2009, Carson was nominated to become U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs by President Barack Obama.