New Pathways for Youth Announces New CEO

Youth-focused nonprofit organization New Pathways for Youth is pleased to announce the selection of a new CEO to lead its efforts moving forward. The incoming CEO, Dr. Karen Johnson, will continue to grow the organization whose purpose is to work with young people facing adversity, and awaken them to their full human potential.

“The work being done at New Pathways for Youth—helping young people dream big and providing them with the resources and support to awaken the full human potential—has never been more critical to our community,” said Dr. Johnson. “I am thrilled to have been selected to help expand these necessary programs and to double our outreach and our impact in the years ahead. I am looking forward to meeting all the incredible people at New Pathways—the staff, the mentors, the Board, our investors, and especially our youth. What an honor to be able to lead this amazing team and carry on our inspiring mission.”

Dr. Johnson, who has helped lead major Valley nonprofits, served for 27 years as Vice President of University Relations of Midwestern University. She takes over from outgoing CEO, Christy McClendon, who will remain with New Pathways as a consultant. In this new role, Mrs. McClendon will focus her unique skills toward building a faculty model for New Pathways’ curriculum and educational programming, supporting the organization’s continued development and intentional growth of impact.

New Pathways shatters expectations with a 95% graduation rate and with 90% of its students continuing on to additional education. In her new role, Dr. Johnson will oversee the organization’s planned expansion, doubling the number of students served throughout the Valley, transforming lives and our community in the process.