Charisse Conanan Johnson

Based in Charlotte, Charisse serves as CEO and a member of the Board of Next Street. In this role, she is responsible for stewarding the firm’s strategy and performance in service of its mission to help small businesses reach their full potential. She ensures the firm delivers on both its financial and impact goals, attracts and retains top talent, operates in alignment with its values, and represents Next Street externally across key stakeholders. Charisse assumed the role of CEO in March 2025, following five years as Co-CEO, where she oversaw all revenue-generating and corporate functions.

Previously, she served as Head of the Advisory Practice, leading the delivery of consulting solutions to institutional clients nationwide. She joined Next Street in December 2015 with a mandate to launch and scale the firm’s Chicago office. A values-driven leader, Charisse is known for leading with clarity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to small businesses.

She brings both strategic rigor and a people-centered approach to her work. Charisse is the author of A Wealthy Girl: 7 Steps to Prosperity, Peace, and Personal Power and serves as a Senior Nonresident Fellow at the Brookings Institution.