People of Action

Discussing the economic impact of brick and mortar retail in our communities, and issues of importance to retail in WA State

Mark joined the Washington Retail Association in January of 2005 as the Director of Government Affairs. In June 2006 he was promoted to Vice President. Mark is responsible for the strategic development of the Government Affairs activities of the Washington Retail Association and the Government Affairs Division’s activities. He leads high priority issues for the association such as taxes, unemployment insurance, health care, privacy issues, and the handling of consumer products. Mark is also the lead staff for the association’s Small Business Committee, Political Action Committee, and its Government Affairs Committee. Johnson currently is a member of the Council of Washington Business Organizations, Association of Washington Business, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Enterprise Washington Political Oversight Committee, Council of State Retail Associations, the Attorney General’s Citizens Advisory Committee, the Tax Policy Advisory Council for the Department of Revenue, the Advisory Board for the Employment Security Department, and several others.

Mark, a Seattle native and a 1987 graduate of Central Washington University, completed his degree in political science, a minor in economics and an emphasis in communications. Johnson attended Central on a partial scholarship. While at Central Mark served as the Associated Student Body President, advisory member for the Board of Trustees, President of the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club, Chairman of the Washington Student Lobby, and Sergeant of Arms for the Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity.

Mark enjoys spending time with his two children Anna and James. In his spare time Mark enjoys volunteering through Kiwanis International, serving as Chairman of the National Eagle Scout Association, boating, golfing, classic cars, traveling, cooking, playing music, gardening, attending the ballet, symphony, and opera.