Deb Johnson, Executive Director, Updowntowners, Lincoln, NE

An enthusiastic and visionary festival and special events producer, Deb Johnson has more than 18 years experience in developing, producing and operating events. She provides consulting services to event producers and non-profit organizations focusing on sponsorship sales, negotiation, leadership development, festival operations, organizational management, volunteer and staff development. Deb has presented throughout the United States, Singapore and Canada. As Executive Director of Updowntowners, Inc. for the past eight years, Deb has produced more than 240 events in a variety of venues. She credits a passionate team of volunteers partnered with excellent training and retention programs to the success of her special events. She is responsible for raising 94 percent of the organization’s annual budget. In doing so, Deb has increased Updowntowners’ membership enrollment 260% while simultaneously increasing sponsorship sales by 760%. Deb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with minors in Business and Communications and a Master of Science degree in Leadership Development from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.