Leading With Purpose: Meet Don, Johnson, MARSP President
Throughout his career, Don Johnson stepped in where support was needed most. Now, he brings his experience, tenacity, compassion, and good humor to the role of MARSP President.
Don Johnson’s story begins in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, in a small country home in Nahma. He was raised in a family of seven who made their living producing pulpwood and timber. After graduating in the top ten of a class of nine (as he likes to joke), Don spent the summer working road construction before heading to Western Michigan University on a Board of Trustees scholarship.
In August 1967, just before their senior year of college, Don married Sue, a Special Education major. After graduation, Sue was hired to start a new special education classroom in Flint, and Don began teaching K–6 physical education at two schools in the same city. Watching Sue work with students who had unique learning needs opened Don’s eyes to the gaps in the education system—gaps he would ultimately dedicate his career to closing.
The Constant Advocate
Don was a dedicated MEA member and union leader throughout his career, helping negotiate contracts in every district he served, sometimes through strikes, lockouts, or informational picketing. In 1984, he became a local agent for Michigan Educational Employees Mutual Insurance Company (MEEMIC), continuing to serve public school employees across the region.
After retiring, joining MARSP was a natural next step. Don’s first encounter came through a fall insurance update hosted by the Delta County Chapter. From there, his involvement steadily deepened and eventually led to roles as Delta County Chapter President, Area 2 Director, Northern Regional Director, Vice President, and now, MARSP President.
Beyond MARSP, Don serves on the board of the Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association and participates in local civic organizations such as the Escanaba Elks and Wells Lions Club. When he’s not volunteering, he enjoys working on his 80-acre property, handling the carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work on his cabin. He snowmobiles in the winter, jetskis in the summer, and travels every chance he gets. Since losing his wife to Alzheimer’s ten years ago, Don has visited all seven continents and completed more than 35 trips.
A Member-Focused Agenda
Even in an uncertain political climate, Don remains hopeful about the future of Michigan’s public education and retirement systems. He’s spent a lifetime stepping in where support was needed most, and as MARSP President, he continues to bridge the gap between retirees and the resources, relationships, and advocacy that protect their security. His priorities as President focus on the following:
- Growing membership: Membership is essential for protecting public school retiree pensions, healthcare, and the long-term future of the retirement system. Don aims to build trust through advocacy, responsible leadership, and personal connection.
- Building relationships that protect retiree benefits: Don is committed to working closely with MARSP’s lobbyist at Karoub Associates, the MPSERS Board, the Office of Retirement Services (ORS), and state legislators to protect retirement security.
- Strategic planning for stability and progress: A clear, updated roadmap so MARSP can continue to respond effectively to emerging issues while staying true to its mission.
- Maintaining a balanced budget: Fiscal responsibility, ensuring that member dues are used wisely and that MARSP remains a stable, effective voice for retirees.
- Face-to-face connection: Don is continuing the work of Past-president Sue Jakubiak by prioritizing in-person engagement.
- Supporting the MARSP Foundation: The Foundation offers tangible, immediate support, such as scholarships and grants, that help public school employees advance professionally or ease financial burdens
in retirement.
With Don, MARSP members can expect a leader who understands their needs, respects their stories, and works diligently to protect their benefits!
