Cynthea Johnson Amason is a seasoned executive and dedicated servant-leader with over four decades of experience across nonprofit leadership, corporate culture, communications, and strategic community engagement. Currently serving as the Chief Culture and Communications Officer at Cadet Portfolio, LLC, Cynthea is widely respected for her ability to foster thriving workplace cultures, build meaningful client relationships, and lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose. Since 2018, she has been instrumental in Cadet Portfolio’s growth and transformation, initially serving as Director of Onboarding and Customer Care before stepping into her executive leadership role.
Her expertise spans internal team development, special project oversight, marketing and public relations, and organizational culture. Known for her people-first approach, she plays a pivotal role in aligning internal values with external messaging, contributing to both client satisfaction and staff cohesion. As a trusted advisor and de facto human resources lead, Cynthea’s impact is deeply felt at every level of the organization.
Cynthea’s commitment to education and community development has been a constant theme throughout her career. From 2014 to 2021, she served as Executive Director of the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education in Clarke County, Georgia. Her leadership helped elevate the foundation’s mission of recognizing and supporting outstanding educators and administrators. Remarkably, she is the only person in the organization’s four-decade history to be elected President twice—a testament to her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication. She previously served on the foundation’s Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2010.
An accomplished consultant, Cynthea has provided public relations, marketing, and operational support across sectors—including as a JROTC Consultant for over 14 years, an entertainment industry liaison managing fan events and talent relations, and a marketing advisor to a financial services firm. Earlier in her career, she devoted 30 years to Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ International, where she trained staff and students, managed regional human resources functions, and taught across college campuses. Her work spanned multiple institutions, including the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama, demonstrating her ability to connect with diverse audiences through values-driven leadership.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cynthea has made a lasting impact through her volunteer service. She has been an active and trusted leader within the Clarke County School District since 1995, serving in various capacities including PTO officer, sports booster, and advisory committee member. At the Athens Community Career Academy, she was elected vice chair and later chair, helping guide strategic initiatives to improve college and career readiness for local students. She has also contributed to the University of Tennessee’s Libraries Capital Campaign Steering Committee and is a longtime teacher and speaker at Watkinsville First Baptist Church.
Cynthea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with High Honors (Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Tennessee, where she majored in History and minored in Spanish. A member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and a proud alumna of Chi Omega, her academic achievements reflect a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Her personal mission is grounded in her faith and a desire to live purposefully, generously, and in continual growth—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally, and professionally. Whether leading a team, mentoring the next generation, or serving her community, Cynthea Johnson Amason exemplifies the values of integrity, compassion, and servant leadership.
Character: Cynthea Amason exemplifies integrity, humility, and servant leadership, consistently leading with empathy and a deep commitment to others’ growth.
Knowledge: Her extensive experience across nonprofit leadership, corporate culture, education, and ministry equips her with a broad and insightful understanding of organizational dynamics and human development.
Strategic: Cynthea brings visionary thinking to every role, successfully aligning mission-driven goals with practical strategies that foster both internal cohesion and external impact.
Communication: A gifted communicator, she excels in building authentic relationships, crafting compelling messages, and guiding teams through clear, purpose-driven dialogue.
