The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) will honor Maria Johnston at their Annual Awards Gala in NYC at the Plaza Hotel
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Maria Johnston, CEO of M.Johnston Consulting, LLC, was recently selected as Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry. The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), a leading global professional organization known for its prestigious annual awards gala and exclusive vetting process, honors only the most accomplished and influential professionals each year.
Being selected as an award recipient within the IAOTP is a prestigious achievement; only a select group of distinguished professionals earn this elite membership each year. Honorees are chosen for their professional excellence, academic accomplishments, leadership capabilities, longevity in their field, meaningful affiliations, and contributions to their communities. All recipients are invited to attend IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the end of the year, a celebration dedicated to honoring the achievements of these top professionals.
www.iaotp.com/award-gala
With over four decades of experience in the industry, Ms. Johnston has certainly proven herself an expert in the field. As a dynamic, results driven leader, Ms. Johnston is the CEO of M.Johnston Consulting and trusted leader in the progressive dry Utility (gas/power/telecom/wireless) industry. She has led multifaceted teams responsible for exceeding company objectives. She has a background of developing and implementing effective strategies to drive sales, promote customer satisfaction, and evolve products. Mrs. Johnston has a reputation as a poised and confident public speaker, with a talent for strategic negotiations and a passion for keeping abreast with industry trends, advancements, and new technologies to promote business success.
Mrs. Johnston started her career in 1981 with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph in Miami, FL and has held numerous leadership roles throughout her career in the technology industry. She holds the technical certification of Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) since January 1996, the first female employee in the AT&T/BellSouth nine state region to have earned this certification.
Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, lobbying, public speaking, consulting, leadership, business development, and management.
Prior to her career, Ms. Johnston earned her B.S. in Business Administration and Management as well as her MBA in Strategic Management from Regis University in Denver, CO and has participated in Harvard’s Executive Education program. She is a graduate of Leadership Florida class XXXIV and Leadership Broward Class XXXI.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Johnston has received many awards and accolades and has been recognized worldwide for her accomplishments. She was selected for the Hispanic Leadership Award in Technology from the SFL Hispanic Chamber and the Service Excellence Award from AT&T. This year, she will be considered for The Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. She will be honored at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City in December for her selection as Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026.
In addition to a successful career, Ms. Johnston has served on numerous boards, including the Executive Board at the Beacon Council, Miami Dade County’s official economic development agency where she served as Chair of numerous committees including, Finance, Legislative and Membership, the Miami Dade College Foundation Board, the largest institution of higher learning in the US where she served as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee, the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation board where she served as Director, the Leadership Broward Foundation Executive Board, where she served as the VP of Leadership and she served on the board of 211 Broward as Director and Chair of the Legislative committee.
The President of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), Stephanie Cirami, stated: “Choosing Ms. Johnston for this honor was an easy decision for our panel to make. She is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We cannot wait to meet her and celebrate her accomplishments at this year’s gala.”
Looking back, Ms. Johnston attributes her success to persistence and mentors she had along the way. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. In the future, she looks forward to expanding her platform and encouraging young women to follow their passion.
For more information, please visit: https://mjohnstonconsult.com/
About IAOTP
The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) is an international boutique networking organization that selects the world’s most distinguished and accomplished professionals across a wide range of industries. These elite professionals are provided opportunities to collaborate, share insights, serve as keynote speakers, and inspire others within their fields. Membership is not open to the general public. Candidates must be personally invited by the President or nominated by an esteemed honorary member following a brief interview.
IAOTP’s experts have recognized and credentialed thousands of top-tier professionals worldwide, helping them strengthen their personal brands and expand their influence. The organization prides itself on being a one-of-a-kind boutique network that handpicks only the most exceptional individuals and brings them together on a premier platform designed to foster meaningful connections and professional growth. IAOTP remains one of the most elite and highly respected professional recognition organizations in the world.
For more information on IAOTP, please visit: www.iaotp.com
Annette Natoli
IAOTP
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