Dixie Johnson: Grateful for Chamber Career
Retiring Chamber CEO Dixie Johnson shares her thoughts on her 14-year career with the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce in this “Community Perspectives” column in The Sheridan Press.
With a heavy heart and immense gratitude, I bid farewell at the end of this year to my 14-year career with the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, I have been blessed with the support of dedicated boards of directors, an exceptional Chamber team, and the steadfast encouragement of the Sheridan County community.
The decision to retire at the year’s end was not an easy one, but it became necessary after my diagnosis with a Grade IV glioblastoma brain tumor in early May. Since that difficult day, I have undergone two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. While this news initially knocked me off my feet, I have learned the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, faith, and hope. This diagnosis, while life-changing, does not mean a certain or swift defeat. I have been deeply moved by the incredible outpouring of support from this community—a community that has rallied around me in countless ways to lift me up, offer encouragement, and provide exceptional medical care. The people of Sheridan County make this a truly remarkable place.
As I prepare to close this chapter, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, donated, fundraised, sent cards, or reached out through phone calls, emails, texts, or personal visits. Your kindness has been overwhelming, and I am beyond grateful. I am also deeply appreciative of the outstanding Chamber team—Teresa Detimore, Karen Myers, Jodi Hartley, Bobbi Mitzel, and Kaylin McKinley. Their hard work and dedication have kept the Chamber running smoothly during this challenging time. To my incredible board of directors—Jennifer Crouse, Kristen Czaban, Butch Dillon, Jessie Dykhouse, Nadine Gale, Rosemary Garber, Ron Lee, Laura Lehan, Brady Lewis, Ty Malone, David Schwend, Aaron Sopko, and Mikole Soto—thank you for your unwavering support and exceptional leadership, particularly this year as I have focused on my health.
My Chamber journey began on January 3, 2011, when the Board of Directors, under Ryan Franklin’s leadership, entrusted me with the privilege of leading this fine organization. These 14 years have been among the most fulfilling of my life, second only to my nearly 39-year marriage to my husband, Mick, and the joy of raising our two wonderful children, Courtney Bullock and Rob Johnson, along with cherishing our three beautiful grandchildren: Michael, Sam, and Brody.
Reflecting on my time with the Chamber, I am grateful for the many invaluable memories and connections I have made. I have had the privilege of working with extraordinary individuals. In this, my final article, I want to specifically acknowledge the board presidents I’ve had the honor to work closely with over the years. Each has been a mentor and a dear friend:
• Ryan Franklin (2011)
• Eric Brandjord (2012)
• Ken Thorpe (2013)
• Wendy Smith (2014)
• Stacia Skretteberg (2015)
• Richard Garber (2016)
• Adam Bunker (2017)
• Travis Evans (2018)
• Nicole Christensen (2019)
• Sasha Johnston (2020)
• David Schwend (2021)
• Cody Sinclair (2022)
• Rosemary Garber (2023)
• Jennifer Crouse (2024)
To Ryan, Eric, Ken, Wendy, Stacia, Richard, Adam, Travis, Nicole, Sasha, David, Cody, Rosemary, and Jennifer: from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I deeply admire your outstanding leadership and unwavering integrity. I know I can turn to each of you for support in the future.
As I step away, I want to reiterate my immense gratitude for the privilege of serving Sheridan County and working alongside such incredible people. This community’s kindness, generosity, and resilience have deeply inspired me, and I will carry that inspiration with me as I focus on my health and family in the days ahead.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so special. I am forever grateful.
Click here to view the column on The Sheridan Press website.
