08/31/2026
Congratulations to Visit Columbus' Sharon Johnson on her Golden Spoon Award for Excellence in Commerce on Saturday evening!
🌟 GOLDEN SPOON HONOREE SPOTLIGHT 🌟
Sharon Johnson — Excellence In Commerce
Some of the most impactful leaders aren't always standing in the spotlight. They're working behind the scenes—managing resources, building partnerships, strengthening organizations, and helping communities move forward.
For more than 12 years, Sharon Johnson has built a career rooted in tourism, hospitality, financial leadership, operations, and community service.
Today, Sharon serves as Business Director for the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Columbus), where she provides financial and operational leadership while working alongside board members, community partners, and stakeholders to support tourism and strengthen the local economy.
A CAREER BUILT ON EXCELLENCE
Sharon's journey with the Columbus-Lowndes Convention & Visitors Bureau has included serving as Interim Business Director and spending nearly six years as Financial Assistant. Her professional experience also includes work with the Tunica County Tourism Commission and Prairie Opportunity, Inc.
Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience in:
✨ Financial management
✨ Administration and operations
✨ Compliance and reporting
✨ Tourism and destination management
✨ Organizational leadership
Sharon understands that tourism is about much more than attracting visitors. Tourism creates economic opportunities, supports local businesses, tells the story of a community, and helps communities grow.
COMMITTED TO CONTINUED GROWTH
A lifelong learner, Sharon has completed Years 1 and 2 of the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and the Mississippi Tourism Association's Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program.
She is also a Certified Heart of Hospitality Expert through the Mississippi Tourism Association and an active member of the Golden Triangle SHRM Chapter.
At the heart of Sharon's leadership is a belief in responsible stewardship, collaboration, attention to detail, and supporting the people and organizations that make communities thrive.
She is grateful for the mentors, colleagues, community leaders, and partners who have helped shape her journey—and she remains committed to contributing to the continued growth and vitality of Columbus and Lowndes County.
The Spoon Hub is proud to recognize Sharon Johnson with the Excellence in Commerce Award at the 2nd Annual Golden Spoon Awards! 🏆✨
Sharon's story reminds us that leadership doesn't always have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the people working diligently behind the scenes are the ones helping an entire community move forward.
Congratulations, Sharon! 👏🏾💛