Press Release

Katy Johnson named next Council president, succeeding longtime leader James Klein

Issued by American Benefits Council

Nov. 13, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC – Katy Johnson, currently the American Benefits Council’s senior counsel, health policy, will succeed James Klein as president of the American Benefits Council effective January 1, 2025. Johnson’s elevation will ensure continuity and consistency for Council members as we enter a new era of employee benefits policy.

Earlier this year, Klein informed the leaders of the Council’s board of directors of his desire to turn over his current responsibilities to a successor and continue to serve the organization in a new capacity. After nearly 37 years at the Council, and 33 of them as president, Klein has been named a senior advisor to the Council to support an effective transition and will also become managing director of the Council’s research and education affiliate, the American Benefits Institute.

Johnson has served as senior counsel, health policy, since November 2019, focusing on the Council’s federal regulatory and judicial advocacy related to health policy. Prior to joining the Council, Johnson held positions in both the Obama and Trump administrations in the Office of Benefits Tax Counsel at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and in the Office of Chief Counsel at the Internal Revenue Service. In these positions, she had responsibility for crafting guidance affecting employee benefit plan sponsors, including guidance related to key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. She also coordinated regulatory guidance with several other executive agencies and the White House and worked with members of Congress in the development of health care legislation.

Earlier in her career Johnson worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and was a judicial clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In private law practice Johnson advised clients on retirement, health and executive compensation matters.

“One of the hallmarks of the Council, and one of the qualities that makes it such an effective advocate in Washington, is its integrity within the benefits community – a quality exemplified by Jim Klein,” said Kelly Lappin, chair of the Council’s Board of Directors. “Katy has demonstrated that she is the ideal person to carry on that legacy and the Council’s impeccable tradition of service to employee benefits professionals.”

“I am deeply grateful to Jim and the board for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to represent this great organization. Alongside my trusted and treasured colleagues on the staff, my goal is to maintain and build on the standard of integrity, expertise, and advocacy our members have come to expect,” Johnson said.

In his new role Klein will take responsibility for various special projects and initiatives. Among them will be expanding efforts and relationships in the global benefits arena. 

“It has been the honor of my life to lead the Council for many years. It is also important to know when to pass the privilege of leadership to someone else. I am delighted in the selection of Katy as my successor and excited to continue working closely with Council members and my colleagues on our team in pursuit of our mission,” said Klein.

In early 2025, the Council will unveil a comprehensive public policy strategic plan for the next five years, including a host of goals and policy recommendations for policymakers.

“The coming years promise to bring new opportunities and challenges for the employee benefits community. As always, the American Benefits Council is poised to support our members in their deep commitment to the health and financial security of employees and their families,” Johnson said.

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