Nancy Johnson, executive vice president of Full Service Hotels - Carlson Hotels Worldwide, a division of Carlson Companies, has been named a Woman of Achievement by the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

The award recognizes women for their leadership, accomplishments and outstanding contributions to their companies. The award was presented Thursday at the NAWBO Annual Awards Gala, which honored businesswomen from throughout the area.

As executive vice president for Carlson Hotels Worldwide's Full Service Hotels, Johnson serves as brand leader for Radisson Hotels & Resorts and Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts. She is responsible for the overall strategy of the full service hotel brands, serves as the brand champion for franchisee and partner relationships, leads implementation of new programs and services, plus oversees brand systems, processes and standards.

Prior to her recent assignment, Johnson was executive vice president of Select Service Hotels - Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Carlson's select service hotel brands include Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

Johnson joined Carlson in 1989 and has served in many roles for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, including executive vice president and brand leader, senior vice president of development, vice president of development and senior director of franchise development.

In 1999, Travel Agent magazine selected Johnson as one of the 200 Most Powerful Women in Travel. She is the founding chair of the Women in Lodging Council for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and serves on the board of directors for The Travel Partnership Corporation, a consortium of travel industry organizations representing all key segments of the industry.

In 2002, Johnson received a Carlson Fellows award for individual sales achievement. The award represents the company's highest career achievement honor and is presented to employees who best exemplify the qualities of leadership, creativity and dedication, and who are considered to be true builders of the company.

Johnson attended St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, majoring in business marketing. She studied business management at St. Benedict College in St. Joseph, Minn., became a Certified Hotel Administrator in 1985 and received her Minnesota Real Estate License in 1988.