Elisheba Johnson, executive and commission liaison, was elected to the Emerging Leaders Network advisory council of Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. She will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership.

In the Emerging Leaders Network, Johnson will work with fellow arts leaders to assist in developing programs and resources to promote professional development and networking opportunities for emerging arts professionals nationwide. In addition to Johnson the city is also represented by Ruri Yampolsky, Seattle’s Public Art Director, who is a member of the Public Art Network Council for Americans for the Arts.

“One word describes how I feel about this opportunity: sponge,” enthused Johnson. “I want to learn as much as I can from my peers while building bridges to the Seattle arts community. Seattle is doing dynamic and responsive work in arts and I am honored to be able to share that with the greater arts community.”

“The success of our organization is dependent on leaders in the arts and culture industries, such as Elisheba Johnson, who are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across our country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities and local organizations,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are grateful for Ms. Johnson’s dedication to promoting and cultivating arts and arts education nationwide.”

Johnson will serve a three-year term, from Jan. 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2017.