Gennith Johnson Joins CEC as Chief Engagement Officer

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gennith Johnson, MCD, CCC-SLP, CAE, as its Chief Engagement Officer. This newly created position will play a key role on CEC’s executive team, working closely with staff, committees, and the Board of Directors to increase the value of CEC membership, enhance opportunities for members to engage, and design programs to support all members and fulfill the mission of the association.

Gennith brings more than 15 years of experience to CEC, previously serving as the Senior Director of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and Associate Director of Health Care Services in Speech-Language Pathology at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Gennith began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, providing services in a variety of health care settings to individuals with disabilities. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University before going on to earn a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Louisiana State University. She was inducted as a scholar in the 2017-2019 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Diversity Executive Leadership Program, earned the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE), and is a recipient of the Association Forum and USAE Forty under 40 award.

“I have known Gennith for many years and continue to be amazed by her talent and passion for association work and for our members in the disability community,” said Chad Rummel, Executive Director. “With her creativity, compassion and innovation, the possibilities are endless as we think about how to further support all members of CEC.”

As Chief Engagement Officer, Gennith will be responsible for leading CEC’s membership and engagement activities and helping the organization reach its strategic goals, including intentionally embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into CEC’s work. She will oversee the work of the teams focusing on supporting divisions, units, and chapters, and will lead activities related to supporting student and early career members.

“Coming from a long line of educators, I deeply value the work of education professionals,” said Gennith. “As a certified association executive and speech-language pathologist, I am uniquely positioned to understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities for members of CEC. The organization’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility is congruent with my own professional commitment and aspirations, and I am honored to serve as CEC’s first Chief Engagement Officer.”

About Us

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the leading association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children and youth with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development.

Media Contact

Annie Drinkard
Director of Communications and Publications, Council for Exceptional Children
adrinkard@exceptionalchildren.org