Petty brings three decades of experience in education and leadership, along with more than a decade of involvement with the organization. She first joined as a member of its education committee, later chairing that committee, and served on the Board of Directors, including as board chair from 2019 to 2021.

In a statement, Petty said she is eager to build on the clubs' existing work while finding new ways to respond to the changing needs of young people and families. "At the heart of it all, I want every young person to know they matter, that someone believes in them, and that their future is full of possibilities," she said. "Being of service is what motivates me."

Her commitment to youth took root early. Petty was raised by a single mother who ran an after-school program out of their church basement in West Philadelphia, an experience she credits with shaping her passion for helping young people feel safe, supported and seen.

As she prepares to start in January, Petty said she wants to honor the foundation built by Michael Johnson, who led the organization for 16 years. She recalled that Johnson first connected her to the clubs more than a decade ago when she met him at the Wisconsin School of Business, where he was a guest speaker and she was serving as associate dean of the university's MBA programs.

"My role is not to replicate Michael's leadership, but to build on the strong foundation he established to help take the organization to its next chapter," Petty said. "I see tremendous opportunity ahead for the clubs and am honored to be its next leader."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, a local chapter of the national nonprofit, operates four locations in Madison. It provides safe spaces and programming focused on leadership and career development for underserved youth outside of school hours.