Professional Dimensions, a Milwaukee-based network of professional women, has named Johannah Karstedt St. John as its first chief executive officer.
Karstedt St. John has been director of operations for the organization since 2017. She was previously vice president of Milwaukee-based G Strategies, LLC.
Professional Dimension’s staffing model has evolved over the years. For many years, it operated under the leadership of an executive administrator.
“That worked out really well when the reality of our work world was much different,” Karstedt St. John said. “Now that we are connected 24/7 and most of our work weeks don’t look like 40 hours a week, relying on a volunteer board and executive administrator got a little more difficult.”
The organization later moved to an executive director model, and now has decided to create the CEO position. The new role will allow the organization to sustain its initiatives and further its goals under consistent leadership, Karstedt St. John said.
“It creates further depth in the partnership between the board of directors and the office,” she said. “It is also serves as signal that Professional Dimensions is strengthening its presence as a thought leader in the business and philanthropic community, which is a desire we heard directly from our members.”
This year, Professional Dimensions hosted a series of events focused on workplace sexual harassment. A survey conducted by the group found that more than half of its members said they have experienced sexual harassment at work.
The organization will host a summit on inclusive leadership in January.
Earlier this year, the organization elected its most racially diverse board of directors in the organization’s 40-year history.
