David Johnson

Co-founder & Partner

David Johnson graduated from the University of West Georgia with a BBA in management and management information systems (MIS) as well as an AAS in computer science. After graduating, he continued to pursue his interests in business and information systems at Georgia State University where he earned his MBA with a concentration in computer information systems.

With a successful academic career behind him, Johnson set his sights on the business world. Initially starting as a regional project administrator at Earth Tech, he held a variety of positions before ultimately founding several fintech firms. In 2009, he partnered with Kirk Chewning to launch fintech consulting firm Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP in St. Croix.

A visionary and perennial entrepreneur, Johnson has also founded and invested in several companies based in St. Croix, his Virgin Islands home. The companies range in specialty from property development to off-the-grid solar system installations.

Johnson frequently displays a passion for giving back to the communities that have nurtured his success. For example, he’s made significant contributions to the University of West Georgia’s Richards College of Business. He’s also donated funds to help construct a state-of-the-art building and established the David A. Johnson Applied Econometrics and Analytics Fund to support a dedicated professorship at the college. It’s a contribution that Johnson has described as an investment into future business leaders with potential to achieve success for themselves and their own communities.

However, Johnson’s charitable giving doesn’t stop with his alma mater. Johnson’s philanthropy extends to the U.S. Virgin Islands community. He has made significant, personal contributions to the Juan F. Luis Hospital in St. Croix and many other non-profit organizations within the territory.

In 2017, Johnson and his business partner Kirk Chewning established the Cane Bay Cares initiative to aid in the recovery efforts after Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit St. Croix. Through Cane Bay Cares, they’ve both made impactful contributions to the USVI. Today, Cane Bay Cares has expanded to include an after-school program that caters to USVI students.

Johnson’s commitment to the USVI goes beyond charity dollars though. He is an involved community member.

An avid bowler, Johnson is a member of the Virgin Islands Olympic Bowling Team and represents the USVI in competitions against other countries. He also serves as vice president of the Virgin Islands Bowling Federation and is a proud sponsor of the organization.  In previous roles, Johnson served on the Board of Directors for the Virgin Islands Boy Scouts of America and the WTJX Virgin Islands Public Broadcast System.

Learn more about David Johnson in “David Johnson: Small Town to Executive Leader” where he shares his journey from humble beginnings to success as an entrepreneur.

Dave is a legend in the industry. The best training I’ve received as a new hire in any company was to shadow him as he interacted with dozens of people each day at CBP. I’ve always been astonished at his photographic memory and his unsinkable energy and enthusiasm!

Jay Craft

VP of Risk & Analytics, Cane Bay Partners