Coastal Conversations
The way businesses communicate shapes how they’re seen and creates relationships with the people they serve. Few people understand that better than Lisa Johnson. Many will remember her as an award-winning television news anchor on NBC 40 before she spent several years in Las Vegas as executive board member and director of brand communications at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. Now back home, she brings her broadcast and PR expertise to Lisa Johnson Communications Media and Public Relations, where she helps businesses shape their image and share their message.
Lisa opens up about her work, her life and her personal journey with breast cancer. She shares what it has taught her about courage, vulnerability and the people who show up for us. Her story is a reminder that authentic communication matters in the easy moments and the challenging ones.
AS: How did being the anchor of NBC 40 shape your career and what do you remember most from those days?
LJ: Serving as a news director, anchor and reporter at NBC 40 taught me how to focus intensely for the fast paced media deadlines and more importantly to build deep, lasting relationships with the community. What I remember most is the incredible energy of the young newsroom and the honor of being a trusted, familiar voice for South Jersey.
AS: What was it like to live in Las Vegas and work at KLAS-TV and later The Venetian? What did you learn from that experience?
LJ: Working in Las Vegas opened me to a whole new world where I knew no one and couldn’t rely on my roots, family and friends. It was an exhilarating experience, especially at The Venetian, where I managed massive international campaigns, entertainment openings and high-profile special events. I developed strong relationships with top-tier national media contacts.
AS: How do you keep up with the changing landscape of communications, social media, A.I., digital platforms and new technology? How has the business changed over the years?
LJ: I draw on my fast-paced broadcast background to stay ahead of these trends, ensuring we use new tools like A.I. and social platforms to maximize exposure without losing the personal touch our clients expect.
AS: Can you tell us about the services you offer and the kinds of people and organizations you find most rewarding?
LJ: At Lisa Johnson Communications, we offer media relations, special event planning, brand messaging, crisis management and broadcast media services. I represent clients across the U.S., Canada and Latin America, including casinos, hospitality venues, R.E. developers and entertainers who view us as a true extension of their team, allowing us to dedicate ourselves fully to elevating their brand exposure.
AS: You’ve been very open and honest about your experience with breast cancer journey. Could you share some of your story with us?
LJ: I was devastated when I was first told I had breast cancer and began to doubt my faith as God was not answering prayers. But I remembered when Jesus collapsed under the weight of the cross, God didn’t miraculously lift his Son’s burden; He sent a man named Simon to carry it for him. That entirely changed my outlook. I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have so many “Simons” in my life.
AS: How did that experience change the way you think about life, connections and the power of communication both personally and professionally?
LJ: Personally, it deepened my connections to my friends who flooded me with text messages, phone calls, delivered dinners and prayers. It made me see that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; opening up allows the people who love you to show up and carry the weight when you can’t lift it yourself.
Many thanks to Lisa, for sharing her story, strength and insights. Her work and honesty remind us that the right words, offered with care, can make all the difference in how we connect with one another. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our community.
