40 Under 40: Chelsi Johnston – Central Valley Business Incubator
Chelsi Johnston is a Visalia native who attended Redwood High School and participated in activities such as mock trial and was a member of the Spanish Club, Drama Club, and Future Homemakers of America. While attending California State University, Fresno, Johnston interned for Assembly Leader Mike Villines and Congressman George Radanovich. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in political science, she worked for Villines in his Capitol and District offices. She later interned for Decade Software and the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship before earning her MBA with electives in marketing and entrepreneurship.
Johnston joined the Central Valley Business Incubator-Small Business Development Center in August of 2009 as an administrative assistant, and was then made marketing coordinator and finally special projects manager. She is working with CVBI-SBDC to bring attention to the Central Valley as the “Blue Tech Valley.” Johnston is also the vice president of public relations for LifePays, where she generates national media relations campaigns.
Johnston is the 2012-2013 vice chair of Fresno’s Leading Young Professionals. She has already served on FLYP’s board for two years, and during that time put on workshops and developed a mentorship program between young professionals and more seasoned professionals from Fresno’s Downtown Rotary Club. In her spare time she enjoys Zumba and belly dancing, and finding different community activities to attend.
Favorite Movie: “My Best Friend’s Wedding”
Favorite Music Artist/Band: Keith Urban
Last Book Read: “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
“40 Under 40″ The Ultimate Networking Event, honoring the Class of 2012, will be held Thursday, March 21 at the Skyroom Lounge in Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown. Tickets to the event are now on sale, and are available for purchase on www.40u40.com.
Each day leading up to the event, a different member of the Class of 2012 will be featured in a story on www.BusinessStreetOnline.com. Be sure to sign up for our daily news alerts by visiting www.BusinessStreetOnline.com.