BGCDC President & CEO Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County (BGCDC) and a prominent figure in Madison’s Black and broader community, has died, his family told Madison365. He was 50.
BGCDC staff confirmed his passing in a statement.
Born and raised in Chicago, he rose through the ranks of nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Indianapolis before taking the helm at BGCDC in 2010.
In his tenure there, he helped raise over $50 million for the organization’s programs. Under his leadership, BGCDC expanded to Sun Prairie, merged with the Boys and Girls Club of Walworth County, and opened the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center, which became the BGCDC’s headquarters as well as a training center for young people in the trades and entrepreneurship.
BGCDC CEO Michael Johnson addresses supporters at the McKenzie Workforce Development Center grand opening in 2023. Photo by Omar Waheed.
Johnson became known for drawing big-name celebrities to fundraising events, including Gladys Knight, Taye Diggs, Danny Glover, Allen Iverson and Larenz Tate. Jay Leno, DJ Spinderella and Tyrese are slated to headline this year’s All White Party on June 27 at the Orpheum Theatre in Madison.
He was also known for surprising people in need with large gifts, like houses and cars, around Christmas time.
He came to prominence in the Madison area in the wake of the fatal shooting of Tony Robinson by Madison police in 2015, acting as a spokesman for Robinson’s family and brokering dialog with Madison police. He convened a roundtable of Dane County law enforcement and community leaders following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. He led the effort to have a statue of former Wisconsin secretary of state Vel Phillips erected on the Wisconsin Capitol grounds, the first statue honoring a person of color there. He convened the Dane County COVID Emergency Fund in mid-March 2020, raising over $200,000 overnight to support families impacted by school and business closures. He organized and led convoys of volunteer drivers to deliver aid to areas devestated by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
Michael Johnson addresses the media at a March 13, 2020, press conference announcing the COVID19 Emergency Fund. Photo by Madeline Chappell.
He celebrated his 50th birthday in October by launching a new book, The Audacity to Lead.
Johnson left Madison in 2018 to become the CEO of the United Way of Greater Cincinatti, but resigned after just a few months, prompting the resignation of the chair of the board. He returned to his role as CEO of the BGCDC.
Johnson has earned wide recognition for his work. He received the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Heart & Soul Award, the organization’s highest honor for Club executives, and was named to Madison365’s inaugural list of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders in 2015. He was named InBusiness Magazine’s 2022 Executive of the Year, earned the 2022 MLK Humanitarian Award, and was recognized as the 2022 Top Executive Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The Wisconsin State Legislature named him a Hometown Hero, and in 2025 he made the In Business Power 100 list of leaders shaping the state’s Capital Region.
In 2026, the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce awarded him its Presidential Eagle Award, the chamber’s highest distinction, given to leaders who challenge assumptions, transform industries, and expand what is considered possible.
Johnson held a bachelor’s degree in business education from Chicago State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He earned certifications in fundraising management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and human resource management from Cornell University, an Advanced Leadership Certificate from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and a certificate in nonprofit strategic management from Harvard Business School.
“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,” the BGCDC wrote in a statement. “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.”
Johnson leaves behind wife Toya, son Michael Jr and two daughters. Funeral and memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
