The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is proud to announce the appointment of Renée Johnson as the new Senior Director for Regional and Industry Councils. This strategic addition to our leadership team underscores AEO’s commitment to fostering robust, inclusive ecosystems that support the success of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the nation. 

Renée Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for economic empowerment to this critical role. Her extensive background in regional development and industry relations aligns perfectly with AEO’s mission to create economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs. With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Renée is well-equipped to drive our initiatives forward and enhance our impact on small business ecosystems. 

In her new role, Renée will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen regional and industry partnerships. She will work closely with AEO’s network of partners to identify opportunities, address challenges, and foster collaboration that accelerates the growth and sustainability of small businesses. 

Renée’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for AEO as we continue to expand our efforts to support entrepreneurs navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape. Her expertise will be invaluable as we work to build resilient, inclusive communities that can thrive in the face of economic uncertainty. 

“We are excited to welcome Renée Johnson to our leadership team,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, President & CEO of AEO. “Her vision and dedication to economic equity align seamlessly with AEO’s goals. We are confident that her leadership will amplify our efforts to empower small business owners and drive meaningful change in the communities we serve.” 

Renée holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School. Her career has been marked by a commitment to advocacy, innovation, and community development, making her an ideal fit for this role at AEO. 

Please join us in welcoming Renée Johnson to the AEO family. We look forward to her contributions and the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our organization and the communities we serve.   To learn more about her work or to explore partnerships, please contact Renée Johnson, Senior Director of Regional and Industry Councils at [email protected] or Sophia Javaheri, Regional and Industry Council Associate at [email protected].

Stay tuned for more updates as Renée embarks on this exciting new journey with AEO! 

For more information about AEO and our initiatives, visit www.aeoworks.org.