In this new position, John Johnson will create a multifaceted, national legislative program to assist NASBA's member boards. NASHVILLE, TN (May 9, 2012) — The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), an association dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of the 55 state boards of accountancy, is pleased to announce that John W. Johnson will become its director of legislative affairs on June 1, 2012, a new position aimed at serving the legislative and regulatory needs of its member boards.
The depth and breadth of Johnson's political experience extends well beyond his most recent position at the FICPA. A graduate of Florida State University with degrees in accounting and political science, he became involved in government at a young age as an intern for former Florida State Senator Van B. Poole. "I was fortunate, when my late father served in the Florida Senate and I was a Senate messenger, to learn how the political process worked from the inside out," says Johnson. "But more importantly, I learned how important ethics were in the process. Even though politics can have a negative perception, what I witnessed as a young man—in the company of my father, other Senators and lobbyists—was how much honesty, integrity, and respect for public service can be at the core of the profession. That lesson has molded my career ever since." Upon graduating from FSU, Johnson began his career as an auditor for the division of pari-mutuel wagering for the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) where he was quickly promoted to tax audit supervisor; chief of operations. In this position, he managed more than 250 employees at 30 statewide offices. He soon became chief of audit and then deputy director. In 2002, Johnson became executive director for the Florida Board of Accountancy and served four years regulating Florida's accounting profession of more than 25,000 licensees and 5,000 firms. Johnson's well-known reputation for bringing innovation, vision, and high standards to every position he has held make him the ideal candidate to lead NASBA's new initiative in legislative services. "John joining NASBA is a significant step in fulfilling our promise to state boards of accountancy to create an enhanced legislative capability within NASBA," said Ken L. Bishop, President and CEO. "His unique history and relationships with both state boards and state societies, coupled with his expertise, strong ethics and diverse experience in legislative matters, make John the perfect choice for this new office." "I am excited to bring a new focus to an organization that has always had the vision and strength to pursue programs that serve and advance the best interests of the U.S. state boards of accountancy and the protection of the public," said Johnson. See Full Media Advisory Contact: NASBA |
Johnson, who hails from Florida, is a longtime and highly respected leader in the fields of government, public policy and accounting. He is the current director of the department of governmental affairs at the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) where he oversees a diverse portfolio including monitoring and lobbying for all key legislation affecting Florida's accounting profession, as well as fundraising for and directing its CPA/Political Action program. In addition, Johnson serves as the staff liaison for four different committees: the Florida State Tax Section, the State Legislative Policy Committee, State and Local Government Section, and the Common Interest Realty Associations Section.