In Business Madison

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.

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.

Michael Johnson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, dies at 50 “We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of our President and CEO, Michael Johnson,” the organization said in a statement.

The June issue of In Business Madison is live!

On the cover: Meet the In Business Madison 2026 40 Under 40 class and Alum of the Year Jason Ilstrup, whose leadership has helped shape downtown Madison. Inside, you'll find stories on entrepreneurship at University of Wisconsin-Madison, medical price transparency, passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin, leadership at Paul Davis Restoration of South-Central WI, a Q&A with Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO John Miller and more.

Read it now at ibmadison.com.



Photograph by Bar-Av
Photo Illustration by Jess Carter