The New Jersey Society of CPAs announced that Aiysha "AJ" Johnson will be its next CEO and executive director, succeeding longtime leader Ralph Albert Thomas when
Thomas, who has led the society for over 23 years, announced his retirement last October.
Johnson is currently executive director of the Americas Region for firm association BKR International, and brings more than 20 years of experience working with professional and trade associations and other nonprofits.
"It is an honor to continue to support the profession and build upon the amazing success of my predecessor. My experience at BKR International has equipped me with the knowledge to understand current challenges facing the profession globally," Johnson said in a statement. "The NJCPA remains strongly positioned to support CPAs and accounting professionals. I look forward to working closely with constituents and our members to ensure that their needs are represented and addressed."
"We could not be more excited to have AJ at the helm. She is well-versed in the accounting profession globally and in New Jersey," said Kathleen Powers, the current president of the NJCPA and chief financial officer at Chelsea Senior Living, in a statement. "She is knowledgeable about how CPAs can strengthen their organizations and personal brands."
Johnson holds a bachelor of science in health education and promotion from Western Illinois University, and a master of arts degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice at the University of Chicago. She also completed the Global Senior Management Program at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and the IE School of Business. In addition, she completed the American Institute of CPAs Data Analytics Executive Program.
