Johnson receives Colonel S. L. Stephan Award from Xenia Chamber

For Natalie Johnson, associate dean of regional locations at Clark State College, service to the Xenia area has extended far beyond her role as chair on the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, it has become a consistent commitment to strengthening the region’s business and workforce connections.

Because of this, Johnson has been named the recipient of the Colonel S. L. Stephan Award by the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the local business community through sustained, selfless volunteer service in support of the Chamber’s mission and the broader Xenia community.

As chair, Johnson has helped guide several key chamber initiatives including workforce development programming designed to connect students and job seekers with local employers, expanded business engagement events such as member networking breakfasts and leadership roundtables and strengthened collaboration between education and industry partners across the region.

She has also supported initiatives aimed at increasing Chamber membership engagement and visibility, while helping to elevate programming that highlights regional economic development opportunities and supports small business growth.

Through this work, Johnson has collaborated with local employers, school districts, higher education partners and municipal leaders to align workforce pipelines with regional labor needs and to promote long-term economic vitality in the Xenia area.

“I am honored to receive the Colonel S. L. Stephan Award, a recognition that reflects the dedication of the entire Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and their commitment to our local business community,” Johnson said. “It is a privilege to represent Clark State and support the continued growth of our workforce and region.”