BIOGRAPHY

Joy Johnson is from Chicago, Illinois, and is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

A former runway fashion model, Joy discovered her niche for philanthropic fundraising while serving as President of the Pacers Connection from 1995-1997 during the two seasons her husband Eddie played with the Indiana Pacers. She is a founding member of Behind the Bench (BTB), the National Basketball Wives Association and chaired the very first All-Star “Touching a Life” gala that Behind the Bench still hosts today during the NBA All-Star Weekend. She was elected President of the organization in 1999 and served in this capacity for four years, until 2003. That same year, she received the “Spirit Family Award” for her leadership efforts on behalf of the organization.

In 2001, Joy started her own event planning company, A Joyous Event Planning & Management, LLC, which plans and manages all types of events in the Phoenix area. She has planned events for former governor, The Honorable Jane Dee Hull, NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and recording artist, Tamia, wife of former Phoenix Suns player, Grant Hill.

Joy loves being involved in women’s organizations and was a member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for twelve years where she served as Vice-President for four years; she is now an associate member. She is also a member of The Phoenix Chapter of the Links, Inc. and is currently serving as Vice-President of Membership. She has also served as a board member of the Arizona Foundation for Women, an organization committed to the prevention and intervention of domestic violence and child abuse. Just recently, she served as Vice-Chair of an official Centennial Legacy Project, the 48 Most Intriguing Women of Arizona. This unique project highlighted the significant contributions of 48 women, 3 Legends and an Institution in a coffee table style book and luncheon in March 2012.

Joy enjoys reading, traveling, entertaining and music. She has been married to Eddie, her college sweetheart, for 31 years and they have two children, Justin and Jade.