Meet NCBTMB’s CEO, Shelly Johnson

Please provide your full name, current location, and current job title. 

Shelly Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, NCBTMB, Burr Ridge, IL 

Share one fun fact about you. 

When I’m not in Chicago, I live in a town of 929 people in northern Minnesota. I know people wonder why, but if they saw the sun setting over the lake (even when it’s cold!) they would get it. 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love to cook, and we’ve created a little club where we choose a cuisine each month and must cook something that fits that theme. I also love to golf (although I will never be remotely good at it.) I love reading/watching documentaries about 20th century history (the inner nerd is a strong force within me.) And, finally, I love hanging out with my husband and puppies. 

What magazines or books have you read recently? 

Atomic Habits—it’s a book that instructs on how to build good habits and break bad ones. I’m trying to put the book into practice. It does not always go well ... 

What is one city/country you long to visit and why? 

There are two cities that I’ve visited, loved and haven’t spent enough time in to do them justice. Those cities are New York and Paris— they are both so historic and vibrant. I’ve got to go back when the world settles down. 

Have you had any previous experience(s) in the massage profession? 

Yes, I served as chief executive for the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and prior to that I served in the No. 2 position with the organization. In total, I spent almost 11 years there. 

What motivated you to apply to NCBTMB? 

I believe that certification is the diamond of any profession—it honors those in a profession that make the commitment to the highest levels of education and competency. In addition, I’ve worked with a variety of professions and—by far—this field has been the most rewarding in terms of relationships. Massage therapists are so passionate and caring—it makes you proud to support them as they support others. 

What experiences have you had that prepared you for your role at NCBTMB? 

In addition to my experience with AMTA, I served as an executive for several associations where certification was the most important program. I have a strong understanding of what certification takes and the processes and procedures that need to be maintained to ensure program integrity. 

What has your role as NCBTMB CEO taught you so far? 

Our volunteer leaders and staff have an amazing commitment to our certificants, providers, schools and applicants. And—just as importantly—a commitment to maintaining the integrity of our programs. 

What does Board Certification mean to you? 

To me, Board Certification is a long-term investment with personal and professional implications. The therapist who commits to achieving certification and to the advancement of his/her education and experience—both of which require time, effort, and money to achieve—is an ongoing process. Certification symbolizes a therapist’s journey to actively carry out that commitment. 

Similarly, on a larger scale, Certification from a national certifying body (NCBTMB)—which also requires time, effort, and money to produce and maintain—further legitimizes massage therapy as a profession per the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health.