PITTSBURGH – Karen Y. Johnson, Councilwoman, of Nashville, Tennessee, was elected to the National League of Cities (NLC) board of directors by NLC’s membership at the group’s annual business meeting this month at the 2016 City Summit in Pittsburgh. Johnson was elected to a TWO-year term and will play an important role as a leader of the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for city officials.

“I look forward to serving on NLC’S board of directors and helping to represent our city and other local elected officials in advocating for protection of local authority and addressing city legislative priorities important to NLC members.”

In her role on the Board, Johnson will meet throughout the year to guide NLC’s strategic direction and set the organization’s advocacy priorities and operational goals. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee, and are confirmed by a vote by NLC’s membership.

“The National League of Cities board of directors serves a critical role in guiding our organization’s priorities and policies,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities (NLC). “I want to thank the members elected to the board for their service to our organization, and look forward to working with them during an important year for the nation’s cities.”

Around 3,000 local leaders and staff convened in Pittsburgh from Nov. 16-19 for the annual 2016 City Summit (formerly known as the Congress of Cities) to network, discuss city priorities and learn best practices. Mayors, councilmembers and city staff participated in informative workshops, took mobile tours and attended education sessions at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.