Owner and Manager of a large manufacturing company in Wisconsin and a cattle and crop family farm in Ohio.
AFS Volunteer, Host Family, Sending Parent – U.S. to Argentina; U.S. to Spain
Murray Johnson brings extensive experience in corporate and non-profit board governance, combined with a long history of dedicated AFS volunteerism to the Board of Directors of AFS-USA. Over the past 12 years, he has served on the Board of Directors for a privately-owned manufacturing company, a joint venture with a Swedish company, and a privately-owned bank that underwent significant mergers and acquisitions. Johnson’s strategic guidance during periods of financial challenge and growth has honed his ability to help organizations adapt and thrive.
In the non-profit sector, Murray served two terms on the Board of Directors for RefugeeOne in Chicago where he played a pivotal role in implementing drastic changes that established the organization as a leading model for refugee support.
Murray’s AFS journey began in 1995 when he and his wife, Diana, hosted their first exchange student. Since then, they have hosted 23 full-year AFS exchange students and served as an emergency family for many others. Throughout the years, Murray has maintained lifelong connections with nearly all of their hosted students.
Murray’s leadership roles within the Greater Chicago Area Team include Hosting Coordinator, Sponsored Programs Coordinator, and Area Team Chair. Under his guidance, the team successfully merged suburban and city chapters, fostering stronger communication and personal relations.
Additionally, Murray’s personal experience with his twin daughters participating in AFS programs in Argentina and Spain and hosting their AFS Russian “son” fleeing from conflict, underscores his deep commitment to AFS’s mission. This past year, Murray and his wife welcomed into their home their former Russian AFS son from 28 years ago who fled Moscow for fear of being put out on the front line of the country’s war with Ukraine. He has filed for asylum to live in the United States and is living with the Johnsons for as long as needed.
It is this profound understanding of global relations and cultural exchange which drives Murray’s passion for AFS. Murray’s long-time commitment as an AFS-USA volunteer includes positions such as former Liaison, former Area Team Chair, former Orientation Coordinator, former Sponsored Programs Cluster Coordinator, past AFS Summit / National Volunteer Assembly attendee, hosting volunteer, sending volunteer, and support volunteer.
