Dr. Karen D. Johnson

An experienced leader and nonprofit executive, Dr. Karen D. Johnson has spent her career advancing organizations dedicated to education and to young people. She has expertise in all areas of external relations, focusing on communications and marketing, fundraising and development, and C-level leadership. She has served as Board President for two outstanding Phoenix nonprofits, as well as Chair for several large fundraising campaigns and events. 

For 27 years, Dr. Johnson served as Vice President of University Relations at Midwestern University, with campuses located in Glendale, AZ, and Downers Grove, IL. A member of the President’s Executive Management Team, she led the offices of admissions, marketing & communications, development & alumni relations, and media resources for the growing healthcare university, which serves nearly 8,000 students in 23 graduate degree programs. 

In 2021, she took on a new leadership role as President & CEO of New Pathways for Youth in Phoenix, AZ. Serving more than 600 teens, the organization is focused on transforming the lives of youth by providing the support, skills, and stability they need to flourish. The program includes 1:1 mentoring for the youth with a dedicated adult and a proven program for personal growth and goal setting. In her tenure, she has overseen the rebranding of the program as “Level Up,” has created the Level Up Academy (a school-based program featuring the organization’s unique personal development curriculum), has worked with the Board of Directors to adopt and implement an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, has established a Mentor Advisory Council, and has raised more than $3M annually to grow the organization. Dr. Johnson is also a mentor to an 18-year-old youth in the program.

Dr. Johnson holds academic degrees from the College of Wooster (B.A.), Northwestern University (M.A.), and Loyola University Chicago (Ph.D.). She has lived in Arizona since 2000 and shares her Glendale home with two dogs and two cats.