Michael Johnson

With more than 19 years of experience as a congressional staff member, political strategist, government affairs professional and trade association executive, Mr. Johnson is a seasoned advocate, helping to bridge the gap between policymakers and private industry.

Mr. Johnson is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer with the National Association of Beer Wholesalers (NBWA) in Washington, D.C. Mr. Johnson
serves as the chief lobbyist and political officer for the association. In that role, he leads a team of senior government and political affairs professionals and oversees the operation of one of the largest and most active political action committees in Washington. He routinely interacts with public officials and has an established record of favorably influencing the development of public policy at every level of government.

Prior to joining the NBWA, Mr. Johnson served as the Vice President of Government Affairs with the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). During his six-year tenure at WSWA, he was a key member of a very successful advocacy team that passed two member-specific initiatives into law.

Previously, Mr. Johnson lobbied Congress and ran ballot initiative and referendum campaigns nationwide for the National Association of Home Builders. He has also managed a congressional campaign and served as the Director of Political Services with a political and government affairs consulting firm.

Mr. Johnson’s first position in Washington was with former U.S. Senator Wendell H. Ford (D-KY), the second highest-ranking member of the Senate leadership at the time. Mr.
Johnson served the senator in various capacities, including as his Political Director.

A Kentucky native, Mr. Johnson earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Journalism at the University of Kentucky. He remains a devoted Wildcat fan as well as an avid golfer. Mr. Johnson serves on the Executive Committee of The First Tee of Washington, D.C. and the Board of Directors of the Alexandria Potomac Little League. He is a graduate of Rapport Leadership International and is a proud Life Loyal Alumni of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Mr. Johnson was honored as one of Association TRENDS “Young & Aspiring Association Professionals of 2007” and frequently addresses groups nationally on government relations, political affairs and association management topics.

Mr. Johnson and his wife Jill have two children, Wesley and Wyatt. They live in Alexandria, Virginia.