Sheila Crump Johnson (born January 25, 1949) is an American billionaire businesswoman, co-founder of BET, and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts.

[2] Sheila Johnson was born on January 25, 1949[3] in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the daughter of a neurosurgeon father who worked for the Veterans Administration, and an accountant mother.

[4] While attending Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois she was a cheerleader, serving as captain of the varsity squad in her senior year.

Her initiative called Sheila's I Am Powerful Challenge was created to support the empowerment of women in fighting poverty and it raised over $8 million in 2007.

[13] On September 24, 2005, she married Arlington County Circuit Court Chief Judge William T. Newman, who had presided over her 2002 divorce.

In early October 2009, Johnson mocked the stutter of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds at a rally for McDonnell's campaign.

[16] In April 2010, Johnson condemned Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell for his proclamation honoring Confederate History Month because it omitted any reference to slavery.

[18] Recognized as an Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medalist in 2012, Johnson was honored as an individual whose far-reaching influence has made our world a better place.