Audra (Franks) Johnson, M.T.A., CMP, CAE

Audra (Franks) Johnson, M.T.A., CMP, CAE has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of event management and meetings. Audra (Franks) is currently serving as the Vice President of Events at The Health Management Academy since February 2023. Previously, they held the position of Vice President of Meetings, Conferences, and Educational Technology at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) from December 2021 to February 2023. Audra (Franks) also worked as the Senior Director for Meetings at ADEA from December 2010 to December 2021, where they effectively managed a $6 million revenue-generating professional development and meetings department.

Prior to their work at ADEA, Audra served as the Director of Meetings at the Association of Academic Health Centers from July 2007 to December 2010. In this role, they successfully organized 12 meetings annually and oversaw the expansion of the meetings department. Audra (Franks) joined the industry as a Convention Manager at SmithBucklin from June 2006 to June 2007, where they managed meetings and events for four national association clients.

Audra started their career as a Senior Conference Coordinator at Pal-Tech, Inc. in February 2000 and worked there until June 2006. Audra (Franks) gained valuable skills and experience in coordinating conferences during their time at Pal-Tech, Inc. Audra also embarked on their career journey as a Corporate Management Trainee at Hyatt Regency Bethesda in 1999.

Throughout their career, Audra has demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills, overseeing major events, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and collaborating with large teams and vendors. Their extensive experience in the field makes their a valuable asset in the event management industry.

Audra (Franks) Johnson, M.T.A., CMP, CAE has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Hospitality Management from Howard University. Audra (Franks) also holds a Master of Tourism Administration (MTA) degree with a focus on Event and Meeting Management from The George Washington University School of Business.

In terms of certifications, Audra obtained the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Convention Industry Council in 2008. In 2014, they achieved the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.