It is with profound sadness that I share the news that a cherished PPIC colleague, Michael Maa, has passed away. My colleagues and I are shocked and heartbroken at this sudden and unexpected loss. We extend our deepest sympathies to Michael’s family.
Michael has been the heart and soul of the PPIC community since joining us in 2005. He was beloved by his colleagues, and his big heart, cheerful presence, and strong work ethic in PPIC’s San Francisco office kept us going in good times and in bad. His warmth, kindness, and infectious laugh lit up our workplace, and his can-do spirit motivated every one of us. Michael wore several hats during his time at PPIC, but his contributions went far beyond any single role or job title. Whether he was handling PPIC’s accounts or its facilities, he was dedicated to the well-being of our organization and its people. But more than that, he was a community-builder and a connector. He had a soft spot for new team members, organizing lunches and outings that became the bridges to lasting friendships among generations of colleagues.
Michael embodied the best of PPIC—the desire to be useful, to see the good in each other, and to reach across our differences to find common ground. The impact he had on his colleagues and on our success in meeting our mission is simply incalculable. We will miss him dearly.
I have reached out to the family to express our deepest condolences and support. Michael’s colleagues have established a GoFundMe campaign to provide additional resources to his family at this difficult time.