Finding Purpose in Service
After nearly 30 years at Johnson & Johnson and 35 years in the healthcare industry, Shaun Mickus set three simple goals for his work in this next chapter: find work that brings him joy, helps as many people as possible, and minimizes the stress and deadlines of corporate life.
Serving on the Board of Trustees of The Father Center of New Jersey checked every box.
“I got some great advice while planning for my retirement to connect with a nonprofit organization,” Shaun says. After meeting with several organizations through a series of virtual Board trainings and an in-person networking event, he found himself drawn to The Father Center of New Jersey.
“The mission of The Father Center of New Jersey really resonates with me,” he says.
Although he didn’t grow up with a consistent father figure himself, he considers himself fortunate to have had other positive male role models in his life who “kept me out of trouble.”
Years later, during a men’s retreat at his church, a talk about a father’s loving care prompted him to reflect on his own childhood. The experience reinforced his desire to help young men find the kind of guidance and support that shaped his own life.
“Being able to pay that forward is important to me,” he says. “Helping young people become great dads and good citizens is something I care deeply about.”
Shaun retired from Johnson & Johnson in March 2026 with extensive experience leading communications, public affairs, marketing, and social impact initiatives on a global scale. During his time in the corporate philanthropy and social impact space, Throughout his career, he partnered with dozens of nonprofit organizations, managed community investment programs, and helped organizations communicate both their stories and their measurable impact.
“I’ve spent a portion of my career seeing nonprofits from the corporate side,” he notes. “Now I get to learn from the nonprofit perspective.”
He joined The Father Center’s Strategic Planning Committee, where board members are helping shape the organization’s vision for the next three to five years. “Our goal is sustainability,” Shaun says. “We want to ensure these programs continue for the participants who deserve them while thoughtfully building capacity where the need is greatest.”
He is also inspired by the leadership of President and CEO Bryan Evans and the organization’s growing momentum. “I was drawn to the strong leadership of Bryan Evans and his team,” Shaun says.
Although he brings decades of executive leadership experience, Shaun approaches his board service with humility. “There are amazing people on this board,” he says. “I’m learning from them.”
Outside of board service, Shaun enjoys spending time with his three grown children, traveling, and tackling a lifelong goal: learning to play the guitar. A lifelong fan of classic rock and other genres, he is currently taking lessons and planning a trip to see the Eagles perform at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Retirement, he says, isn’t about slowing down. It’s about making a meaningful difference.
“I’m trying to help as many people as possible,” Shaun says. “If I can do that, then this next chapter is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
