Members You Need to Meet
Nancy and Steve Johnson
February, 2011
Before retiring to Punta Gorda, Nancy and Steve Johnson had diverse and dynamic careers. As the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Network of Youth & Family Services, Nancy spent 35 years in youth services and non-profit management. She earned a Bachelors degree in Art and Education from Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; a Masters degree in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh and attended the University of California at Berkeley.
Steve earned his Bachelors degree in Engineering from Southern Illinois University, then earned a Masters degree from Berkeley in the 60s, a time he cites as very exciting because the peace movement was in high gear. He spent 18 years with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh and later co-founded a high technology firm that developed and manufactured highly accurate flow meters using ultrasonic principles. Now you ask, what did you just say? Steve explained, "They are installed throughout the world in hydroelectric plants, nuclear plants and pipelines like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The installation of these flow meters took him to very remote and beautiful locations. Nancy, dubbed those his "Indiana Jones days. Steve completed his career as a global product manager for ABB, a large international engineering firm. And to ice his career cake, he retired holding 13 patents individually or with co-workers.
Though both Steve and Nancy hail from the Chicago area, they lived most of their 42 years of marriage in Pittsburgh. They have two children, Scott & Wendy, and three grandchildren. Besides volunteering, Nancy loves art, gardening and cooking. Steve, the outdoorsman, spends his time running, bicycling and boating. They both love to travel, and participate in an international home exchange for residences all over Europe.
Steve reflects back on how Nancy established their life goal by saying, "One day, I want a small house and a big boat!" That lifelong dream was fulfilled when they moved to Punta Gorda permanently in September 2004. After a lengthy search, they found Chat^eau, their 42-foot catamaran and launched their high seas adventures. This month, they will embark on a four-month cruise to Guatemala with friends. This great couple shares a desire to explore, meet new people and find out "what‘s around the next corner.
The Johnsons currently belong to the PGICA Islanders, the Punta Gorda Sailing Club, The Isles Yacht Club and the Seven Seas Cruising Association.
Nancy has become well-known in Charlotte County for her grant writing expertise, working with many non-profits, including TEAM Punta Gorda where she serves as lead for grants, planning and non-profit resources. She continues to serve on federal grant review panels for several departments of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department and has done so for over 19 years. In the past 28+ years, she has written 175 grants which have been funded total of $36,000,000.
Is there someone you’d like to see featured in this column? Send their name to jbrentano@mindspring.com