Alex Johnson Named Executive Director at The Unison Fund

Alex Johnson has been named The Unison Fund’s executive director. Johnson succeeds Unison’s previous executive director, Amanda Power.

With a track record of building national programs and leading major nonprofit campaigns, Johnson is stepping into the role at the Canadian music industry charity during a pivotal time for music workers nationwide.

Founded in 2010, Unison provides counselling and emergency relief services to Canadian musicians and the music community. The charity previously provided emergency support during 2020 and 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, disbursing over $3.5 million in pandemic assistance.

Bringing over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the table, Johnson has guided teams through major transitions, built programs from the ground up and led national campaigns that drive impact. Her appointment was made by Unison’s board of direcctors.

Despite being a self-proclaimed “music industry outsider,” Johnson has a knack for understanding the emotional burden, financial precarity and mental health challenges that emerge from creative careers — positioning her to steer The Unison Fund into its next chapter.

Johnson previously led the fundraising and communications teams at the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada and was a part of the joint interim CEO team. Earlier, she served as Jack.org's senior communications manager, where she positioned the organization as a leading voice on youth mental health during the pandemic, and led the marketing of a Webby Award–winning mental health platform that partnered with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. She also created Koffler Digital at the Koffler Centre of the Arts, a digital platform that reshaped how the organization connected with audiences.

Under Johnson’s guidance, Unison will continue to provide vital emergency support while evolving to strengthen the music community. Earlier this year, the organization launched a relief program for Canadian workers affected by the Los Angeles fires.

“Canada’s music workers — from artists and engineers to managers, venue staff, and countless others — are the heartbeat of our cultural economy," Johnson says in a statement. “They create the soundtrack to our lives, drive billions in economic activity, and build the creative communities that make our country vibrant. They shouldn’t have to choose between their art and their well-being.”

Board chair Brian Huston added, “Alex brings a unique blend of vision, heart, and proven results. She understands the emotional weight of a life in the arts, and she has a track record of building programs that truly change lives. The Board is thrilled to welcome her as the leader to guide Unison into its next chapter.”