FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2014

Current AAM Board Member Assumes New Role

WASHINGTON, DC—The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) has appointed prominent Detroit business leader George Johnson, founder and CEO of George Johnson & Company, as treasurer. Johnson has served on the board of directors for AAM, the largest service and advocacy organization in the museum field, since May 2012. Johnson’s term as treasurer and board member runs through 2015.

As treasurer, Johnson will play a crucial leadership role in the completion of the 108-year old organization’s strategic plan and the launch of its new plan. Johnson was integral to the re-branding of AAM, previously known as the American Association of Museums, in September 2012.
“George Johnson’s wisdom and business acumen – particularly regarding nonprofit organizations – has been one of AAM’s greatest assets through this period of immense transition,” said AAM president Ford W. Bell. “There is little doubt that experience will bolster AAM’s continuing efforts to ensure financial stability and expanding our services to the museum field. We are grateful George has taken on the added duties as treasurer.”

Service has been at the core of George Johnson’s career for more than four decades. The founder and leader of one of Detroit’s premier accounting and professional services firms, Johnson began his career as a certified public accountant. He created George Johnson & Company in 1971. Since the firm’s founding, it has served a wide range of businesses, and is recognized as a leader in nonprofit service. Headquartered in Detroit, the firm also has offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Chicago.

Johnson’s professional contributions and service to nonprofits in southeastern Michigan are unparalleled. While building his business, Johnson has shared his expertise with many regional nonprofts, and has served on the boards of the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

“I am honored by this appointment, and eager to serve the AAM in this new role,” Johnson said. “The re-branding and complete re-structuring of AAM’s membership framework has put the organization on an upward trajectory. Now my task is to help keep the momentum going, both financially and in terms of service to AAM members.”

 About the American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums is the largest museum service organization in the world, serving all types of museums, including art, history, science, botanic gardens, zoos and aquariums. The Alliance helps museums serve their communities by developing standards and best practices, offering professional training and resources, and serving as the national voice of museums for the public, media and elected officials. Working on behalf of all of America’s museums, more than 400,000 museum employees, thousands of volunteers and the visitors who come to museums an estimated 850 million times each year, the Alliance is dedicated to bolstering museums in promoting lifelong learning, celebrating cultural heritage and inspiring the creative skills to compete in a global economy. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.

About George Johnson & Company

George Johnson & Company (GJC), organized in 1971, is one of the leading accounting and professional services firms in metro Detroit, specializing in high-quality services and counsel to for-profit, nonprofit organizations and foundations. GJC is headquartered in Detroit, with offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Chicago. For more information, visit www.geojohcom.com

Media Contacts

Dewey Blanton
Alliance Communications
202-218-7704

Rodelyn Frijas
George Johnson & Company
313-446-1694