PPAI has promoted Shannon Johnson, MAS, to the role of director of executive administration.

  • Since returning to the Association in February, Johnson has held the role of executive assistant.

“This promotion signifies a well-deserved recognition of the exceptional leadership that Shannon brings to our team,” says Dale Denham, MAS+, PPAI president and CEO. “Shannon has brought great value to me, but more importantly, to our entire team, as well as the PPAI Board of Directors. Her tireless effort and unwavering commitment as our colleague haven’t only been impressive, but also set a stellar example for the entire organization.”

Ultimate Team Player

Johnson’s new title reflects the role she has already been filling, Denham says, as she has consistently taken on additional responsibilities, including overseeing volunteer administration. 

“I love what I’m doing at PPAI and I’m excited to continue growing in my role,” Johnson says. “I’ll continue to support the PPAI Board of Directors and the executive team. Getting the chance to work closer with all committees and regional members to increase engagement is something that I’m very excited about.”

Andrew Spellman, CAS, incoming PPAI board chair and vice president of corporate markets at Therabody, adds that “Shannon has done a marvelous job in coordinating our board meeting logistics, being our main contact at PPAI HQ for all communication and taking point on some very detail-oriented projects. An invaluable member of the PPAI staff, she has quickly proven her ability to get things done timely, efficiently and proficiently.”

Johnson’s Background

Before initially joining PPAI in 2019, Johnson had stepped away from full-time work in real estate and consulting to focus on raising her children.

“When I desired to return to work full time, PPAI gave me an opportunity while other firms looked at my gap in employment as a negative,” says Johnson, who worked with the professional development team to help plan the North American Leadership Conference (NALC), Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) and other events.

  • Additionally, she managed PPAI’s Learning Management System (LMS) and certification programs, as well as hosted webinars.

After leaving PPAI at the end of 2021 to work for another non-profit organization, Johnson returned earlier this year after seeing Denham’s post for executive assistant opening. The position appealed to her for various reasons, including the company culture that Denham was building and the growth opportunities that the Association was creating for existing employees.

“Shannon has quickly become a key resource at PPAI,” says Lindsey Davis, MAS, director of business development at PPAI. “She’s one of those people that can easily see connections and opportunities to make us and our work better. I’m excited to see her add even more value in her new role.”

Outside the office, Johnson often travels to meet up with her four children. They’re currently located in Salt Lake City, upstate New York (playing hockey and golf at Utica University), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (on an 18-month church mission), and in Dallas.

“Keeping a front row seat to watch them chase their dreams – that’s my happy place,” she says.