Milwaukee Community Crossroads (MCC) has appointed Terrell Johnson as its new executive director, the nonprofit announced this week.

Johnson, a Milwaukee native and graduate of Marquette University, returns to the city after serving as senior grants officer for the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. He has experience in community engagement, program development, strategic planning and partnership building.

He succeeds Karen Higgins, who led MCC for 13 years.

“After 13 incredible years serving as executive director of Milwaukee Community Crossroads, I could not be more excited to welcome Terrell Johnson as the organization’s next leader,” Higgins said in a press release. “Terrell brings a deep commitment to community, strong leadership experience, and a clear passion for empowering young people and families.”

As executive director, Johnson will oversee MCC’s programs and services focused on youth, young adults, families and older adults while advancing the organization’s mission of helping residents access basic needs, overcome barriers and connect to opportunities.

“I am honored and humbled to return home to serve as the new executive director of Milwaukee Community Crossroads,” Johnson said. “Together, we will ensure that every individual and family we serve is treated with dignity, care, and respect as we continue to help them overcome barriers and connect to real opportunity.”

Milwaukee Community Crossroads has served Milwaukee residents for more than 100 years — formerly under the name Milwaukee Christian Center — and provides programs focused on youth development, violence prevention, housing, basic needs and community building. The organization says it serves more than 15,000 individuals annually.