As Vice President of State Government Affairs at the Global Business Alliance (GBA), Kelsey Johnson leads the organization’s efforts to influence policy across all 50 state capitals. With a strategic approach to emerging legislation, Kelsey creates effective advocacy plans, including targeted messaging and grassroots strategies. Building strong relationships with key stakeholders and forming coalitions for desired legislative outcomes are central to Kelsey’s success.
Prior to joining GBA, Kelsey served as Vice President of State Government Affairs at the Personal Care Products Council. In this role, she successfully managed advocacy efforts in state capitols nationwide, responding to over 300 legislative proposals and leading lobby days for direct advocacy. Her work significantly influenced policy outcomes and strengthened the industry’s position across the U.S.
Kelsey also worked as the Director of State Affairs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (Consumer Brands Association), successfully lobbying in 27 states on food industry-related issues.
Before her tenure in multi-state government affairs, Kelsey was the President/CEO of New Majority Strategies and the Iron Mining Association of MN. In these roles, she demonstrated exceptional leadership by directing strategic operations, building coalitions, and fundraising for marketing and policy initiatives. Kelsey’s experience in organizational leadership, stakeholder engagement, and public policy advocacy spans over a decade, making her a key asset in navigating complex legislative environments.
Kelsey completed her master’s in organizational leadership with a concentration in ethics and leadership and strategic management and a bachelor’s in philosophy (applied ethics) from St. Catherine University. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time on the water, as a former state champ in waterskiing. Kelsey also enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog, Cricket.