The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) will celebrate Maria Johnston during its Annual Awards Gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, August 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Maria Johnston, CEO of M.Johnston Consulting, LLC, has been chosen as Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) in recognition of her outstanding leadership, devotion, and commitment to the field. IAOTP, a leading global professional organization acclaimed for its prestigious annual awards gala and exclusive vetting procedures, each year honors only the most accomplished and influential professionals.
Earning an award from IAOTP is a notable distinction; only a limited number of exceptional professionals receive this elite membership annually. Recipients are selected based on professional excellence, academic achievements, leadership skills, tenure in their field, significant affiliations, and community contributions. All honorees are invited to IAOTP’s year-end awards gala, a special event dedicated to recognizing their accomplishments.
www.iaotp.com/award-gala
With more than forty years of industry experience, Ms. Johnston has undoubtedly established herself as an authority in her field. As a dynamic, results-oriented leader, she serves as CEO of M.Johnston Consulting and is a trusted figure in the progressive dry utility (gas, power, telecom, wireless) sector. She has guided diverse teams that consistently surpassed organizational targets. Her background includes crafting and executing effective strategies to boost sales, enhance customer satisfaction, and evolve product offerings. Mrs. Johnston is recognized as a composed and confident public speaker, skilled in strategic negotiations, and passionate about staying informed on industry trends, advancements, and new technologies to drive business success.
Mrs. Johnston launched her career in 1981 at Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph in Miami, FL, and has since held numerous leadership roles across the technology sector. She has held the technical certification of Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) since January 1996, making her the first female employee in the AT&T/BellSouth nine-state territory to achieve this credential.
Her areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, lobbying, public speaking, consulting, leadership, business development, and management.
Before her career, Ms. Johnston earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Management and an MBA in Strategic Management from Regis University in Denver, CO, and participated in Harvard’s Executive Education program. She is also a graduate of Leadership Florida class XXXIV and Leadership Broward Class XXXI.
Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Johnston has garnered numerous awards and accolades and has been acknowledged globally for her achievements. She received the Hispanic Leadership Award in Technology from the SFL Hispanic Chamber and the Service Excellence Award from AT&T. This year, she is under consideration for The Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. In December, she will be recognized at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City for being named Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026.
Beyond her professional success, Ms. Johnston has served on multiple boards, including the Executive Board at the Beacon Council, Miami Dade County’s official economic development agency, where she chaired several committees such as Finance, Legislative, and Membership; the Miami Dade College Foundation Board, the largest higher education institution in the U.S., where she served as Co-Chair of the Legislative Committee; the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation board as Director; the Leadership Broward Foundation Executive Board as VP of Leadership; and the board of 211 Broward as Director and Chair of the Legislative Committee.
Stephanie Cirami, President of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), remarked: “Choosing Ms. Johnston for this honor was an easy decision for our panel. She is inspirational, influential, and a true visionary and thought leader. We look forward to meeting her and celebrating her achievements at this year’s gala.”
Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Johnston credits her success to persistence and the mentors she encountered along the way. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family. Looking ahead, she aims to expand her platform and encourage young women to pursue their passions.
For additional details, 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 array of industries. These elite individuals are given opportunities to collaborate, exchange insights, serve as keynote speakers, and inspire others in 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 after a brief interview.
IAOTP’s experts have identified and credentialed thousands of top-tier professionals globally, helping them enhance their personal brands and increase their influence. The organization prides itself on being a unique boutique network that carefully selects only the most exceptional individuals and brings them together on a premier platform designed to foster meaningful connections and professional development. IAOTP remains one of the most elite and highly respected professional recognition organizations worldwide.
For more about IAOTP, please visit: www.iaotp.com
Annette Natoli
IAOTP
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