About J. Mori Johnson, Founder of Beacon Whitaker
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J. Mori Johnson launched Beacon Whitaker after a distinguished career spanning over two decades in nonprofit management, organized medicine, and healthcare advocacy. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening membership engagement, advancing leadership development, and driving mission-centered innovation across organizations.
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At the American Medical Association (AMA)—where she held senior roles in membership, communications, marketing, and health policy—Mori led major initiatives that grew membership and deepened member involvement. She managed a 17-person high-performing team, launched the AMA Ambassador Program (drove over 4 million unique visitors), and developed impactful leadership development and retention strategies that still influence AMA programs and staff today.
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Beyond her professional achievements, Mori has served on several nonprofit and foundation boards, including A Silver Lining Foundation and the Chicago Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). Her blend of executive leadership and volunteer service gives her a unique, hands-on perspective that benefits every Beacon Whitaker client.
About our founder's career highlights
Career Highlights
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Over 20 years of leadership at the AMA, including director-level roles across multiple departments
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Creator of member programs that drove consistent growth in engagement and satisfaction
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Designed and led company-wide DEI initiatives and wellness activities
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Frequently recognized for her work advancing women’s and minority health policies
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Honored in Who’s Who in Healthcare for impactful advocacy work
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Speaking & Facilitation
J. Mori is a sought-after speaker and facilitator, presenting to audiences large and small.
Her recent topics include:
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Navigating Menopause at Work
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Recipes for Fruitful Collaborations
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What Are Microaggressions?
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Mitigating Work Burnout
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Coaching for Growth & Confidence
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Thriving While Working Remotely
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Attracting & Retaining Diverse Members
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Creating an Effective Ambassador Program
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Communicating with Confidence
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Education & Early Career
A proud first-generation college graduate, J. Mori earned a full scholarship to Rutgers University as a James Dickson Carr Scholar, graduating with honors in Communications and Linguistics. She later earned her Master’s in Multicultural and Corporate Communications from DePaul University while working full-time.
Her career began in admissions at Temple University, where she also launched a summer program to support first-generation, college-bound students. She later moved to Chicago to join the AMA Alliance, holding key positions in membership, speaker programs, and fundraising before transitioning to the AMA Foundation and eventually AMA Sections.
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Personal Passions
Outside of her professional work, J. Mori is a world traveler, passionate storyteller, self-proclaimed foodie, and trivia enthusiast. She lives in Chicago’s South Loop with her husband, Robb Gipson, and their rescue Spanish greyhound, Señor Mocha Grande.
Let's Connect!
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities.
(773) 872-3484