Currently serving as AAO President, Joe Johnston has extensive volunteer experience with the Aquatennial serving as Board Member in 1999, 2000 Captain, 2002 Commodore, and 2007 President.
How did you first hear about the Aquatennial and why did you get involved?
I worked in Minneapolis and was familiar with Aqua through community... Got bit by the Aqua Bug like so many of us!
I first heard about the AAO through participating in Winter Carnival... Then I had the good fortune to be invited to help with Aquatennial on its Board in 1999.
Why do you continue to be involved with AAO?
Enjoy the Mission and the dedicated people. We get the privilege of creating memories that last a life time for so many... The candidates, attendees, our planners, alumni, volunteers, our ambassadors!
What is your favorite aspect/event/memory of Aquatennial Week?
The Milk Carton Boat Races. One of my favorite memories from Aquatennial is receiving the Honorary Commodore's Award from Charlie Boone while Emceeing the Cambridge Coronation...it took me by surprise. I was speechless and for a Johnston-that's saying a lot!!
What are your hopes for the Aquatennial and/or AAO?
That we continue to adapt and grow for the future memories we can create while hanging on to our rich past... and the precious memories of the past.
Ambassador programs like AAO are so important because they teach so many life skills... Not only for our candidates, but marketable life skills for our planners, alumni, volunteers, and ambassadors! For these reasons, I encourage anyone to get involved and support their community's ambassador program... and the AAO!
Joe currently lives in Minneapolis and is Branch Manager/Financial Planner for Feltl &Co.
