Michael Johnson, the beloved, influential leader of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, died on Sunday, the local nonprofit announced.
“We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of our President and CEO, Michael Johnson,” the organization said in a statement. “Michael Johnson was an extraordinary leader and a valued part of our organization and community. He brought passion, integrity and a deep commitment to the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, and his impact will be felt for many years to come.
“Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Johnson was 50. He is survived by his wife Toya and three children.
Johnson, a tireless advocate for kids, spent the last 17 years at the helm of the BGCDC, and “significantly contributed to the organization by transforming it from a local children’s charity into a powerful change agent for children and families,” according to its website.
He championed BGCDC’s AVID/TOPS program, a college readiness program offered in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District to students in middle and high school. Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that AVID students are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue and succeed in college.
He also led the $35 million fundraising campaign for the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, the largest workforce center in the history of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which trains students in the skilled trades.
“One of Michael’s most significant achievements has been driving high standards of excellence in financial transparency, community engagement and governance,” BGCDC wrote in an online biography of Johnson, posted to its website. “He developed several strategic plans that resulted in more than 22,000 donors contributing more than $50 million to the organization. He also increased the club’s net assets from $4 million to $26 million, quadrupled the number of children and families being served and quadrupled the number of employees.
“Under his leadership, the organization expanded its operations across Fitchburg, Madison, Verona and Sun Prairie, and successfully acquired the Boys & Girls Clubs of Walworth County.”
In October, when Johnson marked his 50th birthday milestone, he also celebrated the launch of his book, “The Audacity to Lead: From the Projects to the C-Suite: 7 Mindset Lessons on Love, Family, and Turning Adversity into Impact.”
In the book, Johnson recalled growing up in a rough neighborhood of Chicago, a place he referred to as a battleground. He found role models in his mother, siblings and mentors.
He credited his wife Toya for making him want to become a better man — “raise his game,” as he put it, in an interview with In Business Madison’s Joe Vanden Plas in October.
“She never gave up on Michael, and they’ve grown together, earned MBAs together, chased their dreams together, raised a family together and made a difference together,” Vanden Plas wrote.
Johnson earned a BA in business education from Chicago State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He has further certifications from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Cornell University and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He also completed a certificate in nonprofit strategic management from Harvard Business School, according to BGCDC.
Johnson was also a key leader in bringing a statue of Wisconsin pioneer Vel Phillips to the state Capitol grounds. He raised the private funds for the effort to honor Phillips, the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, first woman judge in Milwaukee and the first Black person elected to statewide office.
Johnson wrote in his book that after undertaking that effort, “I realized something, a legacy isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you build, one bold, faithful decision at a time.”
BGCDC said in its statement that “While we mourn this loss, our organization remains strong, focused and committed to continuing the important work Michael helped lead. Our leadership team and Board are aligned, and plans are in place to ensure continuity and stability during this time. Taylor Jackson, the former Chief Education and People Officer, has been named as the interim President and CEO.
“We are in the early stages of processing this loss and supporting our team. We will share additional information in the coming days, including ways to honor Michael’s legacy. We appreciate the support and understanding of our community as we navigate this difficult moment together.”
In 2022, In Business Madison named Johnson executive of the year. He was also named to IB Madison’s Power 100 list that highlights the most influential leaders in Wisconsin’s Capital Region.
