Kayla Johnson, former service learning coordinator at Savannah Country Day School, has been hired as the first executive director of the Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society.

Johnson, who has developed non-profits, implemented innovative programs and leveraged strategic community partnerships, also founded and was the former director of the Zoe Foundation, Inc.

As executive director of the LDSS, she will administer the growing organization’s activities and annual events, including the Buddy Walk, the Night of Champions awards banquet and Camp Buddy.

“When I learned that LDSS was expanding and hiring an executive director, I was thrilled for the organization’s growth and honored to be considered for the position,” Johnson said. “Working with such an impactful, local organization will be a dream.”

LDSS has grown from a group of four families who banded together in April 2006 with a shared experience of having a family member with Down syndrome to a society that has attracted thousands of parents, children, advocates, community volunteers and corporate supporters.

The LDSS board conducted an extensive search to find someone to help grow the organization.

“We are blessed to have found someone who shares our vision for the future,” said Candy Bogardus, founding member, past president and current member of the LDSS board. “There is an endless amount of continued good and education to come from LDSS, and Kayla has the grace and strength to help us champion our goals of acceptance and inclusion.”

Johnson, a native of Baton Rouge, La., earned a bachelor of arts in communication from Louisiana Tech University and a master of arts in communication from the University of Arkansas. She and her husband, Clay, have three children.

“After spending the past year exploring New Jersey, we are delighted to return to our second home, Savannah,” Johnson said. “Our homecoming is sweetened just knowing the wonderful crew of LDSS is welcoming us into their network of good. I am very thankful.”