Johanna Wicklund

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region board of directors has officially appointed Johanna Wicklund as CEO. She will lead the strategic direction and operations of three clubhouses and 10 school-based sites.

She is the daughter of Robert T. and Judith Wicklund of Norway, formerly of Aurora, Wis.

Wicklund graduated from Florence County High School in 1995 and from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1998.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region is a non-profit that specializes in youth development, serving children and adolescents across Door County, Green Bay and Shawano.

The club’s mission is to provide all young people with opportunities to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible individuals. It does this through safe spaces, caring mentors and quality programs.

“Johanna is a passionate leader with a proven track record of 20-plus years with club,” said Paul Belschner, chair of the board of directors at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region. “She has been acting CEO during our recent transition and has shown exemplary leadership. Johanna’s strategic vision and strength-based leadership style has improved every aspect of our Boys & Girls Clubs. Her commitment to developing safe spaces and quality programs, supported by dedicated mentors, has positioned Club to propel outcomes for youth. Through her guidance we will continue to enrich the lives of young people in our communities across the region.”

Wicklund has a deep understanding and appreciation for the needs and interests of local youth, the organization stated in a news release. Through partnerships with local organizations, community-minded individuals and volunteers, she has enhanced club’s capacity to offer opportunities for youth to pursue their goals and realize their dreams.

“Since starting in my first role at the Lutsey Unit nearly 24 years ago, club has been my life’s calling,” Wicklund said. “I’m humbled and honored to continue the momentum of an incredible organization that inspires our next generation of leaders and difference makers, and I’ve never been more committed to opening doors of opportunity for all young people to thrive and achieve success.”

Wicklund has spent her entire professional career at the Boys & Girls Club, serving local youth in a variety of capacities. She began at what was then Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay in the spring of 2000 and spent 14 years as the director of program development and evaluation. During this time, she was responsible for fund development through grant writing, outcomes assessment and program development and improvement.

She was then promoted to senior director of strategy and measurement role for 6 1/2 years, where she oversaw the organization’s strategic direction and programmatic and organizational measurement.

Most recently, Wicklund served three years as the chief operating officer, which included the integration of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay and Shawano with the Boys & Girls Club of Door County. This allowed the organization to strengthen its operations, programming, staff and financial position. The organization rebranded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay & Lakes Region in March 2023.

“Johanna is deeply invested in club and its mission,” Belschner said. “She is compassionate and cares about every child who walks through the doors of our clubhouses and school sites. Johanna will continue to create lasting change as the organization grows to support more local youth in achieving great futures.”