Community honors President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County at visitation service

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - People honored a Madison leader who served kids and families in the community for the last 17 years Thursday afternoon.

Michael Johnson’s sudden passing brought crowds of people together for his visitation service at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County’s Allied Family Center in Fitchburg.

The Dane County Sheriff, former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Madison Fire Department were among those who attended.

Johnson was the president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County for nearly two decades. Johnson’s colleagues and friends said they will miss his leadership, authenticity and care for the community.

“Michael was just about people, improving the lives of people, not just young people. I know we’re a youth development organization, but Michael was a different type of CEO for Boys and Girls Clubs. When you look around the country, he was more impact focused,” said Alan Branch, vice president of workforce development at BGCDC.

Monica Howard, a friend of Johnson, said he led with humility, grace and respect.

“His dream is that we definitely make sure that our kids are supported, and that’s why we’re here today is for our kids to be supported,” Howard said.

The visitation ended at 7 p.m. Thursday. Johnson’s life and legacy celebration will be held at High Point Church at noon Friday. There will also be another visitation before the services Friday at 11 a.m.

Johnson was 50 years old.

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