WASHINGTON, DC—The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) has named Christopher D. Kang as its new National Director.

 

Kang most recently served as Deputy Assistant and Deputy Counsel to President Barack Obama in the Office of the White House Counsel, where he was in charge of the selection, vetting and confirmation of the President’s judicial nominees and advised on commutations and executive clemency.  Kang began at the White House in January 2009 as Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, and he also held several positions for U.S. Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Richard Durbin.

 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead NCAPA at this pivotal time,” said Kang. “I am especially excited to join this network of accomplished leaders and organizations within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to ensure that our voices are part of every policy debate. I am grateful for the privilege of having served in the White House and look forward to bringing to NCAPA the same passion for justice and equality.”

 

As National Director, Kang will lead the coalition of 35 national NCAPA member organizations in developing policy and communications strategy and advancing a joint agenda to address the needs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities—the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States.

 

“Christopher's experience in the White House is incredibly valuable to NCAPA as we advance the policy priorities of our AANHPI communities,” said Gregory Cendana, NCAPA Chair and Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance. “Christopher directed the President's appointment of the most minority federal judges by any president in history, now a record 20 AA and NHPI judicial appointments, and the most openly gay and lesbian judges. He is a strong advocate for our communities and an important ally in the broader racial and social justice movement.”

 

“We are thrilled to have Christopher with us at NCAPA,” said Lisa Hasegawa, Co-Chair of the NCAPA Hiring Committee and Executive Director of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development. “Christopher not only brings his vast experience with the White House and U.S. Senate, but also new and energetic ideas to lead NCAPA and make us more effective in our policy and advocacy work.”

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The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), founded in 1996, is a coalition of 35 national Asian Pacific American organizations. Based in Washington D.C., NCAPA serves to represent the interests of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) communities and to provide a national voice on policy issues and priorities.