Patty Johnson

Owner / Founder

Patty Johnson has nearly 20 years of experience developing and implementing integrated marketing, communications and public relations programs for business in Arizona and throughout the western United States. She began Connections Marketing & Communications (CMC) in October 2007 to assist clients with establishing and developing connections in the community, and among audiences of influence using traditional and non-traditional strategies. This vision for her business was fully realized while working with Mayor Gordon on the Downtown Phoenix Marketing Initiative by joining with an extensive group of stakeholders and facilitating major projects, as well as small initiatives to attract businesses and visitors to the creative and passionate downtown community.

Currently, Patty oversees and directs integrated marketing and communications programs with teams providing brand development and enhancement, client relations programs, community outreach, corporate and newsletter communications, special events, social media, earned media, strategic partnerships, advertising, collateral, sponsorship evaluation and leveraging, as well as web site and interactive marketing programs.

Having both agency and corporate marketing experience, Patty brings a unique perspective to the implementation of plans. Knowing that clients have limitations on resources, she works closely with clients to appropriately manage responsibilities and prioritize to best ensure a strong return on investment.

Prior to launching CMC, Patty served as Director of Marketing for one of the largest law firms in the western United States. While in this position, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing for the firm’s more than 400 attorneys practicing in six regional offices. Her leadership resulted in directing the firm through its rebranding, which remains in place today; launching an associate marketing program to provide training and coaching; as well as implementing strategic partnerships whereby the firm and its industry groups established valuable partnerships with associations and business groups. In addition, Patty collaborated with the firm’s hiring committee, the attorney development committee, practice and industry groups, and its diversity task force to create marketing initiatives that supported the brand and accomplished business objectives.

Prior to her law firm experience, Patty worked with one of the top advertising and public relations firms in Arizona. While at the firm, she served clients in a wide variety of industries, including banking, construction, entertainment, golf, hospitality, investor relations, non-profit, real estate, retail, sports, technology and travel.

Patty lives in Phoenix and commits time and energy to the community. She recently participated in Valley Leadership, Class 33 and continues to actively volunteer for the organization. She is currently a member of Charter 100; a volunteer advisor for the O’Connor House Speak Out Against Domestic Violence public awareness committee; Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Dining Out for Life event, past event co-chair and 2013 capital campaign advisory council; 2013 Dinner in the Stacks Library Foundation event co-chair; and Homeward Bound Board of Trustees member and volunteer committee member of the 2013 Old Bags Lunch. Her involvement with the city of Phoenix has included most recently serving on the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board from 2007 – 2012; serving on the Phoenix Planning Commission as well as serving as a volunteer for the 2006 City Bond Committee, public relations committee.

She is a member of Public Relations Society of America and the Legal Marketing Association. Her firm is a member of Local First Arizona. Patty was named to the 2008 class of Forty under 40 by the Phoenix Business Journal and a 2009 Top Woman in Business by the Phoenix Business Journal. Patty earned her Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.