Clarence Johnson Has Been Named the 2025 Recipient of the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award
January 19, 2026
Individuals honored through the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award have made extraordinary strides in leadership, volunteerism, mentoring, and philanthropy in Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha’s nonprofit community.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is proud to announce Clarence Johnson as the recipient of the 2025 Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award. Johnson is the president and CEO of Wisconsin Community Services (WCS), a nonprofit human services organization.
Clarence Johnson has been a guiding force in Milwaukee’s nonprofit sector for more than 40 years, with a career that has been rooted in compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to community well-being. Clarence has helped to shape several area organizations over the years.
The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award was established by United Way’s former board chair Cory Nettles, founder and managing director of Generation Growth Capital, Inc., and Michelle Nettles, chief people and legal officer at ManpowerGroup.
The award is in recognition of Linda McFerrin, retired vice president of resource development, and her 42 years of leadership and service to United Way. The recipient of this annual award is chosen by United Way’s Diversity Leadership Society, and a grant is made to the organization they represent. The winner is announced each year on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
“Clarence’s unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and genuine compassion for the underserved in our community have left a lasting impact not only on the nonprofit organizations of which he has been a part, but also on the Milwaukee community as a whole,” said Cory Nettles.
Michelle Nettles added: “Clarence leads with vision and heart, empowering those around him to do the same. His work has made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands across our city, and he represents precisely the kind of transformative leadership that the Linda McFerrin Award is meant to celebrate.”
Johnson joined Wisconsin Community Services in 2010 as the associate executive director. Through the years, he has provided high-level leadership for various programs and divisions, helping to expand the work of WCS, and cultivate collaborations with other community organizations and stakeholders. During his tenure at WCS, Clarence has overseen several complex and important agency initiatives.
Prior to his time at WCS, Clarence served as executive director of Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, chief operating officer for YW Works (then subsidiary of the YWCA), and spent several years as a high-level manager for Milwaukee County Department of Health and Social Services.
Through the years, Clarence has also served on over 20 nonprofit boards and remains an active member of the Milwaukee area community. Clarence currently serves as the board president for NAMI Southeast Wisconsin and is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.
“I am very honored and humbled to receive the prestigious Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award,” said Clarence Johnson. “Linda was a consummate professional and passionate leader in our community. I can only hope that my contributions over the years reflect Linda’s commitment and passion.”
The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award will be celebrated at the United Way Annual Meeting on March 25, 2026 at Foley & Lardner.
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