Kappa Alpha Psi’s Renard Johnson Elected First Black Mayor of El Paso
El Paso just swore in its first Black mayor and he is a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi.
On Monday night, January 6, 2025, history was made in El Paso as Renard Johnson, a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., was sworn in as the city’s first Black mayor during a ceremony held at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso. Johnson, a political newcomer and successful business owner, takes on this historic role with a deep commitment to the city that has been his lifelong home.

According to information from his campaign website and social media posts by the El Paso-Las Cruces Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Johnson’s story is one of resilience and dedication. Growing up on the northeast side of El Paso, he graduated from Andress High School before earning his degree from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1994. Despite humble beginnings, Johnson credits El Paso for providing him with the opportunities to achieve his dreams.
In 1994, he founded METI Inc., a company that has become one of El Paso’s fastest-growing and most successful businesses. METI provides systems engineering and information technology support to government and commercial customers across the country. His entrepreneurial achievements have been widely recognized, including receiving the Minority Business Enterprise of the Year award from the United States Department of Commerce.
Beyond METI, Johnson expanded his business ventures in 2020 by founding El Perro Grande, a tequila company headquartered in El Paso. The brand has garnered acclaim from Forbes Magazine and industry professionals, further cementing Johnson’s reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.

Johnson’s influence extends well beyond business. He has served in leadership roles across multiple organizations, demonstrating his dedication to El Paso’s growth and prosperity. He is the former president of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has served as president and chairman of The Texas Lyceum. Johnson’s commitment to civic engagement includes being a board member of the El Paso Boys & Girls Club, the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, and the former chairman of the Board for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso Branch.
Additionally, Johnson has played an instrumental role in recruiting top talent to El Paso. He served on committees to hire current UTEP President Heather Wilson and El Paso Community College President Dr. William Serrata. His involvement with the Hospitals at Providence has helped attract numerous medical professionals to the city.
Renard Johnson’s election as El Paso’s first Black mayor marks a significant milestone in the city’s long and storied history. The El Paso-Las Cruces Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. recognized his achievement with a congratulatory message on social media, celebrating his historic election and expressing their support for his upcoming term. The fraternity, which Johnson joined in the Theta Xi Chapter in Spring 1985, emphasized his dedication to public service and the trust he has earned from the community.
As Johnson embarks on his tenure as mayor, the citizens of El Paso look forward to the impactful initiatives and positive changes he aims to bring to the city. His leadership, experience, and unwavering commitment to the community position him to guide El Paso into a new era of progress and inclusion.
Renard Johnson’s election as El Paso’s first Black mayor is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and the city’s support. With a strong background in business and community service, he is well-equipped to make a lasting impact on El Paso and continue to inspire future generations.