Michael Johnson, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Michael Johnson currently serves as the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. Johnson has made it his priority to ensure that his agency continues to be a leader in youth development while enhancing its partnerships to produce positive outcomes for young people and their families. Under Johnson’s leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs through their AVID/TOPS Program has produced 100% graduation rates for four consecutive years in a row with more than 85% of their students currently enrolled in local colleges and universities.
Because of his agencies commitment to children–Johnson was featured on the front cover of the Wisconsin State Journal as one of Five People to Watch in 2013. In 2012, he was named by Boys & Girls Clubs of America as their Midwest Executive of the Year and was also featured on the front cover of Phoenix Focus for his work with at risk young people. The same year, Johnson and his partners were featured on the front page of the US Department of Education website for their work around youth development, community partnerships and college continuation. In July 2012 he served as the Keynote Speaker for the National Training Conference for Non Profit Organizations & Units of Government which was held in Las Vegas. The same month the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate honored Johnson for his advocacy work for young people. In 2011, his agency was named one of the top five Clubs in the nation by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Charles Schwab Foundation for their creativity and innovation around financial literacy.
Prior to moving to Madison, Wisconsin, Johnson spent 15 years in executive level positions in several cities leading large, complex government and nonprofit agencies. Johnson currently serves on a host of boards and committees including: The Healthy Community Foundation, Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation, STAR Credit Union, Caplin Family Charities and the Overture Center. In addition, he holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Business Education from Chicago State University. Johnson also holds Certifications in Fund Raising Management from the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University and Certifications in Human Resource Management from Cornell University. Michael is married to Toya Johnson and they have two children ages seven and two.
Nichelle Nichols
Chief Academic Officer
Nichelle Nichols recently served as the Vice President of Education and Learning at the Urban League of Greater Madison. She is also on the Dane County Youth Commission and was the past regional conference chairperson for Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, and chair of the popular Men Who Cook annual event which raises scholarship money for local high school students. Prior to the Urban League, Nichelle worked as the Director of Development at the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, served as the Resource Development and Volunteer Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, and Family Specialist at Family Enhancement.
Karen Gallagher
Director of Development
Karen is a mission driven leader with a national reputation and significant achievement as an educator, coach, fundraiser, consultant, and major program initiator. Experienced in creating new initiatives, leading and motivating, negotiating and persuading, marketing and public speaking, budget planning and strategizing.
