MEET OUR NEW STATE DIRECTOR!

Johanne with husband Adeo

Johanne as Ms New Jersey Senior America 2006

The popular English composer Elton John wrote a song called "The Circle of Life". The meaning of the song suggests that life is like a circle, whose continuity is preserved and replenished by the outgoing constantly preparing the way for the incoming. Thus the continuity of the Ms New Jersey Senior America Pageant has been preserved, with the appointment of Johanne Santori. This is Johanne's first year as Ms New Jersey Senior America State Pageant Director, who succeeds Louise Ferla, who after 13 years, had decided to retire.

Johanne, who is no stranger to the pageant industry, served as hostess for the Miss America Pageant for many years. During that time, she met several industry professionals, whose friendship she maintains to the present day. It was these ladies who guided her in the planning of the 2008 Ms New Jersey Senior America Pageant that was held on June 25th.

As well as being Ms New Jersey Senior America 2006, Johanne has been vice president and treasurer of the Atlantic City Women's Chamber of Commerce, member of the Metropolitan Business and Citizen's Association of Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Hotel Lodging Association, and on the committee for Atlantic City's 150th Birthday Celebration.

She devotes much of her time to her family, but still has time to play tennis, golf, down hill and cross country skiing, and she has won tournaments and awards in all.

Johanne was born, raised and educated in the Province of Quebec, Canada, and is a graduate of the University of Montreal with degrees in teaching Home Economics and Music. A talented singer, she performed major roles with a regional theater group, and also gave organ and piano recitals. As member of the Ms New Jersey Senior America Cameo Club, she continues to sing with the "sisterhood" all around the Garden State.

Senior America, Inc. needed to find a new home for the national and State pageants, and Johanne was instrumental in securing Harrah's in Atlantic City for both. Johanne ushered in a new era of management in which she organized people with various skills into committees, and trusted them to carry out their tasks. The end result was an original, elegant and glamorous Ms New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2008 that was enjoyed by all.