Johnson named VAGTC executive director

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Sonja Johnson has been named executive director of the Van Andel Global Trade Center at Grand Valley State University. She has served as interim executive director of VAGTC since 2006.

Johnson is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, with more than 15 years of experience specializing in international logistics and customs compliance issues. Johnson joined the trade center in 2003 to provide global trade expertise as a consultant and trainer. As associate director of the VAGTC, she has worked closely with many Michigan businesses, developing and enhancing their global trade initiatives. She recently led two VAGTC trade missions to facilitate business expansion for local small businesses — one to Mumbai, India in August 2007, and another to Guangzhou Province in Southern China in January 2008.

“It’s a really exciting time now in global trade because there are so many opportunities out there for Michigan businesses,” Johnson said. “The trade center’s position in the market is to support these businesses and help them to explore the opportunities out there.”

Johnson said part of the center’s mission is customizing services around medium and small businesses. “We take that scary part of global trade away and show them how easy it is to do,” she said.

Seidman College of Business Dean H. James Williams applauded Johnson’s work in the field. "Sonja is an outstanding young leader who brings to the executive director position more than 15 years of experience in international logistics and customs compliance and five years of service as the Van Andel Global Trade Center's Associate Director," he said.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from Minnesota State University. She has worked as an import manager for a branch office of a global logistics provider. She also has worked for several multinational companies, supporting international trade and global compliance initiatives.

The Van Andel Global Trade Center's mission is to strengthen the community through increased global business by providing international consulting, training, and resources. The center offers consulting and training services, resource development and facilities. Among its offerings are cultural and language education, trade missions, foreign visits and speaker series. Founded in 1999, the center was established by Grand Valley State University in response to needs identified by the business, academic, and economic development communities. The center is named after Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway and a pioneer of international business.