Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society Hires New Executive Director
(SAVANNAH, GA) Kayla Johnson, former service learning coordinator at Savannah Country Day School, has been hired as the first executive director of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS).
Johnson, who has developed non-profits, implemented innovative programs and leveraged strategic community partnerships, also founded and was the former director of the Zoe Foundation, Inc.
As executive director of the LDSS, she will administer the growing organization’s activities and annual events, including the Buddy Walk, the Night of Champions awards banquet and Camp Buddy.
“When I learned that LDSS was expanding and hiring an executive director, I was thrilled for the organization’s growth and honored to be considered for the position,” Johnson said. “Working with such an impactful, local organization will be a dream.”
LDSS has grown from a group of four families who banded together in April 2006 with a shared experience of having a family member with Down syndrome to a society that has attracted thousands of parents, children, advocates, community volunteers and corporate supporters.
The LDSS board conducted an extensive search to find someone to help grow the organization.
“We are blessed to have found someone who shares our vision for the future,” said Candy Bogardus, founding member, past president and current member of the LDSS board. “There is an endless amount of continued good and education to come from LDSS, and Kayla has the grace and strength to help us champion our goals of acceptance and inclusion.”
Johnson, a native of Baton Rouge, La., earned a bachelor of arts in communication from Louisiana Tech University and a master of arts in communication from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, Clay, have three children.
“After spending the past year exploring New Jersey, we are delighted to return to our second home, Savannah,” Johnson said. “Our homecoming is sweetened just knowing the wonderful crew of LDSS is welcoming us into their network of good. I am very thankful.”
ABOUT THE LOWCOUNTRY DOWN SYNDROME SOCIETY
The Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society (LDSS) is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education and advocacy to champion and celebrate acceptance and inclusion. Meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of the month, typically with a guest speaker and social time for families to meet and interact with one another. LDSS encourages people to bring their children. LDSS is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society. For more information about LDSS, visit http://www.ldssga.org/
CONTACT
Kayla Johnson
Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society
912-436-3626
kjohnson@ldssga.org
10701 Abercorn St., #60786
Savannah, GA 31420
MEDIA CONTACT
Marjorie Young
Carriage Trade Public Relations
912-844-9990
marjorie@carriagetradepr.com
www.carriagetradepr.com