Congratulations to Keela Johnson on Her 2026 Professional Accomplishment Award

Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. proudly congratulates Keela Johnson, an equity shareholder and member of the firm’s Board of Directors, on receiving the 2026 Professional Accomplishment Award from Upper Iowa University during the university’s 2026 Homecoming Alumni Awards and Honor Class celebration.

A 1999 graduate of Upper Iowa University, Keela earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude. While her academic accomplishments were significant, her connection to the university has always extended far beyond the classroom.

In her Homecoming remarks, Keela reflected on the profound impact her time at Upper Iowa had on the person and professional she would become. She spoke warmly about the coaches and mentors who became like family, and about the sense of community, belonging, and support she found during her time at UIU. With a nod to the movie Field of Dreams, Keela reflected on how the impact of Upper Iowa University has followed her home to Metro Detroit. She carries a piece of UIU with her in the way she practices law and, perhaps most meaningfully, in the way she mentors the next generation of attorneys. Through her guidance, she passes along the integrity, foundation, professionalism, and sense of family that UIU gave her, giving those she mentors a piece of Iowa, even if they may have only once heard of Iowa or simply flown over it.

A former standout member of the UIU women’s softball team, Keela continues to support the program as a lead donor and, more importantly, as a dedicated advocate and friend to its student-athletes and coaches. Despite building her career in Michigan, she continues to make time to attend games and tournaments, including traveling to Chicago and Florida to support the team. Her commitment reflects the lasting relationships and sense of community that have remained central to her connection with Upper Iowa.

Professionally, Keela has built an impressive career focused on matrimonial law, domestic relations, and matters involving families and children. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in both Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Her earlier career as a master’s-level mental health therapist continues to inform the compassionate and thoughtful approach she brings to helping families navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Keela’s accomplishments extend well beyond her legal career. She has dedicated significant time and resources to organizations supporting children, families, and her community, including CARE House of Oakland County, Friends of Foster Kids, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, and Girl Scouts of America.

The 2026 Professional Accomplishment Award recognizes not only Keela’s professional success, but also the character, service, and commitment to others that have defined her journey. Her continued investment in the people and institutions that helped shape her is a testament to the lasting impact of meaningful mentorship, community, and a sense of belonging.

Congratulations, Keela, on this well-deserved honor! We are proud to have you as a member of the GMH team and celebrate this recognition of your career, service, and continued commitment to others.