The YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish has named Gayle Johnson as its new Senior Director of External Relations. An experienced non-profit leader and active community member, Johnson officially joined the YWCA’s advancement division on July 1.
In her new position, Johnson will provide strategic leadership to five departments — development, community engagement, public policy and advocacy, communications and marketing, and donor information services. As a member of the executive team, she will take part in strategic planning for the YWCA, a non-profit that promotes empowerment and provides critical services which touch the lives of 50,000 women, children and families in King and Snohomish counties each year.
Johnson brings a wealth of non-profit, community and civic experience to the YWCA. She is the first African American woman to have run multiple successful political campaigns in Seattle, was President of The Links, Incorporated Greater Seattle Chapter and served on the board of directors for Powerful Schools.
“Gayle has the experience, skills and enthusiasm needed to take the YWCA to the next level. We are very fortunate to have her join our team,” said YWCA CEO Sue Sherbrooke.
Johnson, who has been a member of the YWCA People of Color Executive Council since 2012, is excited about the opportunity and eager to get started.
“My first task will be to listen and learn,” says Johnson. “Working together with staff, partners and community members, my goal is to create a plan that will push the YWCA forward, closer to realizing its vision for a community free from poverty, violence and discrimination.”
Before joining the YWCA, Johnson was Chief Development Officer at Sound Mental Health, where she had been since 2005. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Alki Foundation, Local Government Relations Manager for the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Campaign Director for United Way of King County and Community Relations Director for the Alliance of Education. Johnson has a degree in Political Science from the University of Washington.
