Sonja Johnson BBus, GradCert, GAICD, PMP, ACEcD, MIML

Sonja Johnson is an experienced professional currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at Regional Development Australia Tropical North Inc. (RDA Tropical North) since February 2021.1 She is based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia and has a strong background in high-level stakeholder engagement, community development, relationship management, program/project design, strategic marketing, and performance management.1

Career Highlights

Sonja has held several notable positions throughout her career:

1. Chief Executive Officer at RDA Tropical North (February 2021 - Present)
2. Director Program and Planning at Queensland Health (August 2019 - February 2021)
3. Principal at Ideas Group (January 2015 - April 2016)
4. Program Leader at Compass Rose MENA (November 2007 - April 2010)
5. Project Manager at South Australian Tourism Commission (March 1998 - June 2000)

Achievements

During her tenure as CEO of Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland & Torres Strait Inc, Sonja:

• Attracted over $430 million in infrastructure investment to the region
• Increased organizational revenue by 58%1

In her role at the South Australian Tourism Commission, she:

• Managed the award-winning Secrets campaign
• Injected $35 million AUD into South Australia's economy
• Attracted 50,000 additional visitors to the state1

Education and Qualifications

Sonja Johnson holds several professional qualifications, as indicated by the acronyms in her title:

• BBus (Bachelor of Business)
• GradCert (Graduate Certificate)
• GAICD (Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• ACEcD (Accredited Certified Economic Developer)
• MIML (Member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders)1

Sonja Johnson is known for her ability to work in complex and politically charged environments, focusing on creative insight and attention to detail in her projects.1 Her LinkedIn profile (username: sonjagjohnson) showcases her extensive experience in economic and community development, as well as her passion for affecting change through these areas.