Gwinavere Johnston, APR, Fellow
CEO, JohnstonWells Public Relations

Gwinavere founded JohnstonWells in 1971. Even after 40 years in the business, she frequently acknowledges that she learns something new every day. Her work in strategic planning, media strategy, corporate social responsibility and crisis communications continues to grow.

She has established important relationships with Colorado’s business leaders, government officials, key nonprofit organizations and media. Under her leadership, JohnstonWells is recognized as a leading public relations firm, both regionally and nationally. The firm received the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts 2003 Small Business Award of the Year and the 2003 National Philanthropy Day in Colorado Award for Outstanding Small Business. In addition, the brightly painted walls and colorful folk art collection brought JohnstonWells the Creative Work Space of the Year award from the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts in 2005.  

Gwinavere was named a Fellow by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 1993 and has chaired the Counselor’s Academy of PRSA. She also was a founding board member of the Council of Public Relations Firms. Currently, she is the North American president for IPREX, a global partnership of independent public relations firms.

Gwinavere demonstrates a deep, longtime commitment to the community. She serves on boards of directors for the University of Wyoming Foundation, Two Percent Club and Denver Athletic Club. She is a member of the Colorado Women's Forum, the Denver Press Club and numerous other community organizations.

Gwin was the first person to be honored as Citizen of the Year by the PRSA Colorado chapter. She also received the Outstanding Alumna award from the University of Wyoming College of Arts and Sciences in 2001, the 1999 Athena Award from the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the PRSA Colorado chapter in 1992.