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Michael Johnson, leader of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and a longtime advocate for youth and Madison’s Black community, died unexpectedly Sunday at age 50.
During his 16-year tenure at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, Johnson broadened the nonprofit’s reach, boosted fundraising efforts and launched public-private partnerships focused on lifting up youth.
Johnson “significantly contributed to the organization by transforming it from a local children’s charity into a powerful change agent for children and families,” his biography on the organization’s website says.
“Michael Johnson was an extraordinary leader and a valued part of our organization and community,” a news release announcing Johnson’s death said. “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.”
Taylor Jackson, former chief education and people officer, was named interim president and CEO. The organization “remains strong, focused and committed to continuing the important work Michael helped lead,” according to the release.
“We will share additional information in the coming days, including ways to honor Michael’s legacy,” the release says. “We appreciate the support and understanding of our community as we navigate this difficult moment together.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Johnson came to Madison in 2010 to lead the county’s Boys & Girls Clubs. He helped raise more than $50 million for the organization, increasing its assets from $4 million to $26 million, according to the Boys & Girls Clubs website.
Those financial contributions allowed the organization to quadruple the number of children and families served in the area, as well as quadruple the club’s staff. The organization expanded its reach across Fitchburg, Madison, Verona and Sun Prairie, and acquired the Boys & Girls Clubs of Walworth County.
Ald. Sabrina Madison, president of the Madison City Council, said she spent countless hours working alongside Johnson.
“What I will remember most is that he never played it small,” she said in a statement. “His vision for his family, his leadership and this community was always next level. He challenged all of us to think bigger, dream bigger and work harder on behalf of the people we serve.”
Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway called Johnson’s death “an immeasurable loss for our entire community.”
“Michael’s generosity and inspiring work have made Madison a better place,” Rhodes-Conway said in a statement. “He had seemingly endless energy, a relentlessly positive attitude, and was always willing to lend his time and talents to help solve our community’s problems. His tireless advocacy to provide young people and families with opportunities to thrive has left an enduring legacy.”
Johnson established a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Madison Metropolitan School District, investing more than $21.6 million in local high schools, according to his biography.
“The community has truly lost a legend,” said Nicki Vander Meulen, the longest-sitting member on the current Madison School Board. “Michael’s impact on our children and our schools is unmatched. He truly valued education, and his contributions will last a lifetime.”
Johnson played an instrumental role in creating the district’s and Boys & Girls Clubs’ partnership program AVID/TOPS, a college and career readiness program dedicated to closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented students.
The program has left a significant mark on Madison schools. Students who take AVID classes receive higher GPAs and test scores than their peers, and all high school seniors who take an AVID elective class graduate. AVID students are more likely to enroll in a four-year college and succeed academically, according to University of Wisconsin-Madison research.
School Board member Nichelle Nichols worked with Johnson as the Boys & Girls Clubs’ chief academic officer for several years. As part of the team under Johnson’s leadership that helped build the AVID/TOPS program, Nichols said she was proud to be a part of “blazing the trail together.”
Even after Nichols left the Boys & Girls Clubs to work in the Madison school district, and she later joined the School Board, she said Johnson always stayed in touch and talked about his aspirations for the organization and youth in Madison.
“Michael often spoke of his desires to make MMSD and our community better. He was deeply committed to ensuring that young people in our schools and community had access to high quality learning opportunities, and he used his network to open doors for so many young people,” Nichols said. “This is a family who has given so much of themselves to our community, and I’m saddened by this unexpected loss.”
Beyond his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Madison school district, Johnson was a consistent advocate for Black families. Following the fatal police shooting of 19-year-old Tony Robinson in 2015, Johnson became a leading voice in the community calling for conversations between the police and residents.
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police in 2020, Johnson spent time in downtown Madison talking with many of the young protesters who felt they weren’t represented at the state’s Capitol, he told the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Out of those conversations, Johnson advocated for a statue of Vel Phillips, the first woman and first African American elected to statewide office in Wisconsin, to be placed on Capitol grounds.
“Most Dane County residents are good people, who care about these issues — yet many choose to stay clear of these kinds of conversations. I implore you to think differently and to step out of your comfort zone,” Johnson wrote in a column for the Cap Times following Floyd’s murder. “Over the years, Black people have fought prejudice, racism, injustice and death. Many in our community have remained uninvolved and don’t speak up or fight for what’s right with us. And it hurts.”
When Johnson started as the leader the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County in 2010, he reflected on the pivotal role his local organization played during his childhood in Chicago.
Under his leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County worked with the Madison Area Builders Association to create the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center in Fitchburg 2023 to teach students skilled trades, like plumbing and electricity, and help diversify the workforce. The organization also opened a dental clinic for low-income patients.
Johnson briefly left the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County in 2018 to lead the United Way of Greater Cincinnati before returning months later.
“I love this job, I live and breathe this work everyday,” Johnson said at the time about his decision.
Johnson’s leadership earned many accolades. He was awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Heart & Soul Award, its highest honor for local executives, and recognized as an highly influential fundraiser. He won the city-county Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in 2022 for his contributions to promoting peace, understanding and communication among the area’s diverse populations. The state Legislature named him a Hometown Hero in 2023.
Johnson was “visionary and dynamic community leader,” said Renee Moe, president and CEO of United Way of Dane County.
“Our thoughts are with Michael’s wife, Toya, their family and everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs during this difficult time,” Moe said in a statement.
Ruben Anthony, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, said, “I had the privilege of knowing Michael not just as a leader, but as a friend. He brought a rare combination of bold vision, relentless energy and genuine care for people.”
Johnson “had the courage to dream big; the conviction to bring those dreams to reality; and the grace to celebrate other people. He had an outsized impact on our community and I will miss him,” said Bob Sorge, president and CEO of the Madison Community Foundation, in a statement.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said, “Michael Johnson was a passionate and tireless advocate for our community. Through his leadership and dedication, he created a legacy that will not be forgotten.”
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information and statements throughout the day.
