Maria Johnston named IAOTP’s top utility consulting executive for 2026

IAOTP has selected M. Johnston Consulting CEO Maria Johnston as its Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026 and will honor her at its annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December. The recognition spotlights her four decades in the industry, leadership roles and longtime work in utilities, telecom and community boards.

Why it matters: - The IAOTP honor puts Maria Johnston in a select group of professionals recognized for industry leadership, longevity and community impact. - The award adds national visibility for M.Johnston Consulting and for Johnston’s work across dry utility, gas, power, telecom and wireless sectors. - Johnston will be recognized at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in December.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Maria Johnston, CEO of M.Johnston Consulting, LLC, as Top Utility Consulting Executive of the Year for 2026. - IAOTP announced the honor on Aug. 27, 2026. - IAOTP will honor Johnston at its annual awards gala in New York City. - The gala is set for the end of the year at the Plaza Hotel. - More information on the gala is available here.

The details: - Johnston has more than four decades of experience in the industry. - Johnston has led multifaceted teams and has worked on strategies tied to sales, customer satisfaction and product development. - Johnston is described as a trusted leader in the progressive dry utility industry. - Her background includes lobbying, public speaking, consulting, leadership, business development and management. - Johnston began her career in 1981 with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph in Miami. - Johnston has held numerous leadership roles in the technology industry. - Johnston has held the Registered Communications Distribution Designer certification since January 1996. - Johnston was the first female employee in the AT&T/BellSouth nine-state region to earn that certification. - Johnston earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Management and an MBA in Strategic Management from Regis University in Denver. - Johnston also completed Harvard’s Executive Education program. - Johnston is a graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXXIV and Leadership Broward Class XXXI. - Johnston previously received the Hispanic Leadership Award in Technology from the SFL Hispanic Chamber and the Service Excellence Award from AT&T. - Johnston is under consideration this year for The Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP Magazine. - Johnston has served on boards including the Beacon Council, Miami Dade College Foundation, Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation, Leadership Broward Foundation and 211 Broward.

Between the lines: - IAOTP frames the award as part of a selective vetting process that recognizes professional excellence, academic achievement, leadership, longevity and community service. - The recognition also helps extend Johnston’s platform beyond her company into broader industry and civic circles. - IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said Johnston was an easy choice for the panel and called her inspirational, influential and a thought leader. - Johnston says persistence and mentors have been central to her success. - Johnston also said she wants to expand her platform and encourage young women to follow their passion.

What's next: - Johnston will be honored at IAOTP’s annual awards gala in December at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - IAOTP says honorees are invited to the gala after selection. - Johnston is expected to continue her work in consulting and industry leadership while pursuing broader mentoring and visibility efforts.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is using the award to spotlight a veteran utility and telecom executive whose career combines technical credentials, corporate leadership and civic service.