Image: Michael ‘Mike’ Johnson and his wife Nan at Cox’s Bazar Airport during a visit to Bangladesh in 2016. (CPI)
The Board of Directors and staff of Community Partners International (CPI) mourn the loss of Michael ‘Mike’ Johnson, who passed away on January 28, 2025. We offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Nan, their two children, five grandchildren, and extended family.
Mike and Nan are among CPI’s early supporters. After retiring from a 32-year career with Exxon Mobil, Mike joined CPI’s Board of Directors in 2011, serving as Treasurer from 2012 to 2014 and Board Chair from 2014 to 2018. After stepping down from the Board, Mike remained connected to CPI’s work as an honorary Board Emeritus.
As Treasurer and Board Chair, Mike steered CPI through rapid growth and institutional strengthening with immense grace and skill. With deeply held principles of compassion, fairness, and justice, Mike remained firmly focused on the needs of vulnerable and underserved people. He was committed, kind, humble, and always ready to offer wise counsel and encouragement.
Mike took a special interest in the plight of persecuted Rohingya communities in Myanmar. He visited a camp for internally displaced Rohingya people in Rakhine State when few others would. When more than 700,000 Rohingya fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh, Mike was instrumental in CPI’s decision to launch operations in Bangladesh to support them. CPI continues to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to this day.
Beyond CPI, Mike supported the work of many other nonprofit organizations. He spent many years serving on the boards of United Way, Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department, Adaptive Sports Center, and Ayni Education International (now Sahar Education).
“Mike led with compassion and fought for those without a voice,” emphasized Stan Sze, President of CPI’s Board of Directors. “He saw the humanity in the most vulnerable. He reminds us that a well-lived life is defined by how we lift others. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy inspires us all.”
“Mike’s compass always pointed towards doing the right thing,” added Dr. Tom Lee, Chair of CPI’s Board of Directors. “It guided all his decisions. I have never met anyone more committed to the plight of the underserved. Despite the risks, Mike encouraged us to establish our Rohingya program because he knew it was right. He helped us grow our impact through his unrelenting commitment to quality and thoroughness. He was a truly remarkable person.”
We are privileged to have known Mike and called him our good friend.
Farewell, Mike.
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