FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2018
Contact: Ty Ma’ae, (206) 624-1221
tyrell@napca.org
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Appoints New CEO
[Seattle, WA] – The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joon Bang as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2018, to lead the only national organization working to serve Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) as they age. He replaces Wesley Lum after Koya Leadership Partners conducted an extensive nationwide executive search over the summer.
“We’re very excited to have Joon join NAPCA to continue leading us in advocating for the aging AAPI community, who lack a national voice to create awareness and appreciation for the linguistic, economic and cultural challenges that this population faces.” said Anna Crosslin, Chair of NAPCA’s Board of Directors. Crosslin also expressed deep gratitude to Joan Eads who has provided interim leadership for NAPCA during the organization’s transition.
Bang brings to NAPCA 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, program planning and management, fund development, civic engagement, and advocacy. He most recently served as Executive Director of the Korean American Coalition (KAC) in Los Angeles, a 2017 California Nonprofit of the Year honoree. Earlier this year, he received the 2018 Impact-Maker to Watch award, an annual distinction for those who are doing foundational work to make a positive impact in Los Angeles with significant results. In the past 2 years, Bang has been featured by and contributed to many notable mainstream news outlets regarding AAPI issues.
“I am humbled and energized by the opportunity to join NAPCA’s team to ensure that the organization remains the platform by which our country’s aging AAPI community can be seen and heard.” said Bang.
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Since 1979, NAPCA’s mission has been to preserve and promote the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of Asian American and Pacific Islanders as they age. The organization does so through provision of a variety of direct and subcontracted services, both at its headquarters in Seattle and throughout the nation.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Diverse Elders Coalition.