Melissa Johnson has joined the Arizona Association for Economic Development as its director of development and member engagement.

Johnson will be responsible for facilitating the growth of AAED through membership, events and community building, according to a release.

Johnson had been an active volunteer member of AAED, most recently serving as chair of AAED’s PR and communications committee where she helped organize the 2021 Basic Economic Development Course and facilitated the 2021 Marketing Symposium.

Prior to joining AAED, Johnson served as the executive director for Pinal Partnership. During her time there, she helped grow the partnership’s financial reserves 83% through membership and event sponsorships, the release states.

“Melissa has been a dedicated and committed member of the economic development community for several years as well as part of AAED’s volunteer leadership,” AAED Executive Director Carrie Kelly said in the release. “She has dedicated many hours to help grow the mission of AAED and we’re thrilled to have her on the team to bring together our state-wide efforts in economic development.”

Johnson has a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from Arizona State University.

About the AAED

Arizona Association for Economic Development, founded in 1974, has a mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy and collaboration.

For more information on AAED, go to aaed.com or call 602-240-2233.