[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 100 (Monday, June 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING MICHAEL JOHNSON
Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the life and
legacy of Michael Johnson, a respected community leader, a dedicated
advocate for young people, and a champion for opportunity throughout
Wisconsin. Mr. Johnson's leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment
to service transformed countless lives and helped build a stronger
future for children and families across Dane County. His passing is a
tremendous loss to the Madison community, Dane County, the State of
Wisconsin, and to all those fortunate enough to know him.
Mr. Johnson was raised in Chicago, where he developed an early
understanding of the challenges facing many young people and families.
Those experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to creating
opportunities for others. He believed deeply that every child deserves
the chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance, and he dedicated his
career to making that belief a reality.
Before coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Johnson worked with youth-serving
organizations in Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. In 2010, he
became president and chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Dane County. Over the next 16 years, he transformed the organization
into one of the region's most impactful nonprofit institutions. Under
his leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs expanded its reach, strengthened
partnerships throughout the community, and increased its capacity to
serve young people and their families.
Mr. Johnson understood that helping young people succeed required
more than afterschool programs alone. He championed initiatives focused
on education, workforce development, mentorship, and career readiness.
Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community
organizations, Mr. Johnson helped create opportunities for students to
pursue higher education, develop professional skills, and prepare for
successful futures. Thousands of young people benefited from programs
and services made possible through his vision and determination.
Among Mr. Johnson's most significant accomplishments was his vision
for the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. Recognizing both the
growing demand for skilled trades workers and the need to create
pathways to economic mobility for young people, he led the effort to
develop a first-of-its-kind workforce training center in Dane County.
Through years of planning, partnership-building, and fundraising, Mr.
Johnson transformed an ambitious idea into reality. Today, the center
provides hands-on training, industry certifications, and career
preparation in high-demand skilled trades, creating opportunities for
young people to build family-sustaining careers while helping address
workforce shortages throughout the region. Mr. Johnson viewed the
center not simply as a building, but as an investment in the future of
Wisconsin's youth and a model for how communities can expand
opportunity through innovation and collaboration.
Mr. Johnson also understood the importance of ensuring that young
people see themselves reflected in the history and institutions around
them. He played a leading role in the effort to establish the Vel
Phillips Memorial Statue on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Through his leadership and fundraising efforts, supporters from across
Wisconsin came together to create a lasting tribute to Vel Phillips, a
pioneering civil rights leader, jurist, and public servant whose
groundbreaking achievements opened doors for generations of
Wisconsinites. The unveiling of the statue marked a historic milestone
for the State of Wisconsin and reflected Mr. Johnson's belief that
honoring the accomplishments of trailblazing leaders can inspire future
generations to pursue lives of service and leadership.
Mr. Johnson's impact extended far beyond the Boys & Girls Clubs. He
became one of Madison's most trusted civic leaders and strongest
advocates for building a more inclusive community. He brought together
leaders from education, business, government, and nonprofit
organizations to address challenges facing local families. Whether
working to expand educational opportunities, strengthen neighborhoods,
or create pathways to economic success, Mr. Johnson had a unique
ability to unite people around a common purpose.
Those who knew Mr. Johnson often spoke of his gift for connecting
with others. He believed in meeting people where they were and helping
them realize their potential. He served as a mentor to countless young
people and emerging leaders, offering encouragement, guidance, and
support. His leadership was grounded in the belief that meaningful
change comes from investing in people and empowering them to succeed.
While Mr. Johnson received many honors throughout his career, his
greatest achievement was the lasting impact he made on the lives of
others. The students who graduated, the families who found support, and
the community leaders he inspired all stand as a testament to his
life's work. His legacy can be seen throughout Dane County in the
opportunities he helped create and the futures he helped shape.
Mr. Johnson was also a devoted husband, father, and family man. He
carried the same compassion, integrity, and commitment into his
personal life that he demonstrated in his professional career. His
family, friends, colleagues, and community will remember him not only
for what he accomplished, but for the kindness, optimism, and
generosity he shared with others.
Mr. Johnson devoted his life to expanding opportunity and
strengthening communities. His leadership helped countless young people
imagine a brighter future and gave them the tools to pursue it. As we
honor his life and mourn his passing, we celebrate a legacy of service
that will continue to inspire generations to come. I am proud to join
communities across Wisconsin in recognizing Michael Johnson's
extraordinary contributions and the enduring legacy of his life's work.
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