Our Staff
Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive and lasting change leading to healthier environments and communities.
Our Staff
Carole M. Johnson, Ph.D.
Director, Local and Regional Community Program
Carole M. Johnson joined The Johnson Foundation in June 1998 as the program officer for education. In 2008, she was appointed director of local and regional community programs. Her current efforts are aimed at improving the quality of life in Racine and the Southeastern Wisconsin region. In this arena, Carole works with a wide range of organizations, agencies and groups to tackle some of the most difficult and challenging issues in our community.
Carole has more than three decades of professional education and leadership experience, including senior administrative positions at colleges, K-12 institutions and research and development agencies around the country, as well as elementary, secondary and university teaching experience. Prior to joining the Foundation, Carole served as president of Gateway Technical College in Southeastern Wisconsin. Previously, she served as chancellor of the Minnesota Technical College System and as an associate vice president of the Colorado Community College System. During her tenure at the U.S. Department of Education, she conducted policy analysis, coordinated agency activities with the Department of Labor and served as the ombudsman to the states.
Carole holds a bachelor of science and a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She earned her doctorate in vocational education administration with emphasis in special education and research from Ohio State University. She has been deeply involved with numerous local community organizations, including Sustainable Racine, Rotary Club, YWCA and its Strong Communities program, All Saints Health Care System, the 21st Century Preparatory School and the First Presbyterian Church of Racine.
