Kristin Johnson, a marketing professional born and raised in Gladstone, has joined Innovate Marquette SmartZone as marketing coordinator. She is responsible for mentoring the Invent@NMU student marketing team and overseeing all of its client work. Invent@NMU's mission is to spark economic development by providing Upper Peninsula residents with resources to take their product or business ideas to market.
“I'm thrilled to be back in the U.P.," Johnson said. "It is obviously exciting to be closer to family, but I am also looking forward to being a resource for local businesses and entrepreneurs. I also take pride in mentoring young professionals, so working with the Invent@NMU team was one aspect that really drew me to this position.”
Johnson is the third U.P. native hired by Innovate Marquette SmartZone over the past three years.
“Kristin's vast experience in multimedia strategy and community relations with high profile clients through her 16 year journey in Chicago really spoke to our team and vision moving forward," said CEO Joe Theil. "As an organization looking to bring talent to the area and build our business ecosystem, any chance we get to bring Yoopers home is always an added bonus.”
Johnson graduated from Lewis University in 2008 with a degree in psychology, social work and human services. After graduation, she spent 12 years in Chicago working for various organizations in community relations and media strategy, including WNBA team Chicago Sky, Chicago Fire Soccer Club and ad agency Spark Foundry.
To learn more about Johnson's professional and personal experiences, click here.
Innovate Marquette SmartZone supports technology-based innovations, new businesses, new job creation and existing business expansion by leveraging the unique set of resources, experiences and advantages available in Marquette. For more information, visit www.innovatemarquette.org.