In Memoriam: William “Bill” Neukom 

The Asia Foundation mourns the passing of William “Bill” Neukom, a longtime trustee, esteemed legal mind, and committed advocate for the rule of law and inclusive development across Asia. Neukom brought to TAF a combination of intellectual rigor, moral clarity, and deep compassion, guiding our mission with unwavering integrity and purpose. 

Joining TAF’s board of trustees in 2013, Neukom served with distinction until 2021. His leadership helped shape and strengthen TAF’s strategic direction during a critical period of growth and transformation. Drawing on his illustrious legal career—as chief legal officer at Microsoft for more than two decades and later as president of the American Bar Association—he was a staunch proponent of democratic values, open societies, and fair legal systems. He championed our efforts to build effective, accountable institutions and expand access to justice in some of the most complex environments in Asia and the Pacific. 

“Bill Neukom graced the TAF board with his wisdom and gravitas and his generous financial support,” said TAF Board Chair Tim Kochis. “We mourn his passing but celebrate his legacy of dedicated support for the mission of The Asia Foundation.”  

In 2006, Neukom founded the World Justice Project, whose work to advance the rule of law worldwide has complemented and amplified TAF’s programs across Asia and the Pacific. His belief that justice is essential to human dignity and economic opportunity resonated deeply with our work, and his voice inspired our people, partners, and fellow trustees alike. 

“Bill Neukom brought to TAF his personal passion for justice and the rule of law, a lifelong interest honed by his professional training and practice as an attorney and as president of the American Bar Association,” former TAF President and CEO David D. Arnold said. “As TAF Trustee, Bill invited and encouraged TAF staff working in the law and justice arena to participate in the annual World Justice Forum and contribute to the country rankings on the World Justice Project’s annual Rule of Law Index.”   

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford Law School, Neukom wore many hats over the years, including a baseball cap as managing general partner of the San Francisco Giants.  

“Bill’s second great passion was baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants,” Arnold said. “As the former CEO of the Giants organization, Bill arranged for one of the early cohorts of the TAF Development Fellows Program to attend a Giants game as his personal guests when their U.S. study tour brought them to San Francisco.  For most of the fellows, this was their first exposure to American baseball, and it became a memorable highlight of their visit to TAF’s headquarters.”   

Beyond his accolades and accomplishments, Neukom will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unfailing support for those working quietly to improve lives and expand freedoms. He believed deeply in the power of people and institutions to make lasting change and brought that belief to every conversation and cause. 

We are deeply grateful for Neukom’s legacy of service and leadership. He leaves behind not only a profound imprint on The Asia Foundation but also a model of civic responsibility and ethical engagement that will continue to guide us for years to come. 

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues around the world.