Making the move to New York City in 1997, Walker was named Vice President of Promotion for Def Jam. A year later, after restructuring the company’s promotions department and its field staff, Walker was named Sr. Vice President. During her tenure, her team successfully marketed Def Comedy Jam, Phat Farm clothing, Russell Simmons' co-produced movies, "The Nutty Professor,” Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour 1 and 2” plus several #1 Gold and Platinum albums from Jay-Z, Sisqo, Kelly Price, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DMX, LL Cool J, Musiq, Dru Hill and others.

After 15 years of tenure at Def Jam Recordings, Walker resigned and moved to Los Angeles where she was named Head of Black Music for DreamWorks Records. Known affectionately as Ms Johnnie Walker ... in 2009 Walker assumed her current position with the City of Memphis.