The Asian American Federation (AAF) today announced that its executive director and veteran community leader, Jo-Ann Yoo, will step down by the end of 2024.
The AAF Board of Directors is actively engaged in a national executive search to find a new leader who will continue to champion the mission and values that have made AAF a formidable force in advocating for Asian American communities. During the interim period, until a new executive director is appointed, Joo Han and Andrew Sta. Ana, the current Deputy Directors at AAF, will co-lead the organization to ensure continuity.
Over her 13-year tenure at AAF, Yoo transformed the organization from a nonprofit with a $1 million budget into a $21 million entity. Under her leadership, AAF has grown to include over 70 members advocating for improved services and opportunities for New York’s 2.1 million Asian Americans, the fastest-growing population in the city and state.
Caption: Veteran community leader Jo-Ann Yoo will step down as executive director of AAF by year-end.
“Jo-Ann Yoo made it her life’s work to ensure that Asian New Yorkers have a voice and seat at tables where decisions are made. Under her guidance, Asian Americans in New York have grown into a powerful, influential group who cannot be ignored.” said Kim Lee, Chair of AAF’s Board of Directors. “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are grateful for Jo-Ann’s leadership, contributions, and advocacy on behalf of AAF.”
Through her leadership and ability to tap into a diverse network of funders, Yoo strengthened the capacity of Asian nonprofit organizations to address the community’s needs in mental healthcare, public safety, economic empowerment, and senior services. In FY 2024, AAF co-led a coalition of Asian American leaders, securing $30 million for Asian-led, Asian-serving community organizations across the state. Since 2021, through targeted advocacy to the government and forging deep relationships with foundations, AAF distributed well over $35 million to over 75 community-based organizations, which provide social services to 2.1 million people. Yoo has also played a critical role in the building of a united and robust advocacy network, ensuring that strong Asian American voices are heard in decision rooms.
“We are at a critical moment where the Asian American community is stepping into their own power. I am moving on at a time when AAF’s members, our Board, and our outstanding and committed staff are empowered to continue to innovate and reimagine ways to achieve AAF’s vision: a world in which our community has access to more justice and opportunities to thrive,” Yoo said, adding that she had always envisioned transitioning to new opportunities after ten years of dedicated service.
Driven by her belief in the importance of evidence-based practices for accurately portraying the diverse needs of New York’s Asian community, Yoo enhanced AAF’s research program. AAF’s research briefs, reports, and interactive Data Center have offered new insights into the lives of Asian New Yorkers, enhancing accurate representation and guiding the allocation of city and state resources.
“The integration of robust data practices and a commitment to addressing the unique needs of the pan-Asian American community have helped us forge a new era of advocacy, “ Yoo said. “I believe this is an essential approach for informed decision-making, promoting equity, and ensuring that the voices of Asian American individuals are accurately represented and heard.”
Building on this foundation of data-driven advocacy, Yoo has led the organization’s efforts in addressing the anti-Asian hate crisis, launching the Hope Against Hate Campaign in 2021, an initiative that provides innovative community-centered programs to counter anti-Asian violence. The Campaign trained 5,499 New Yorkers in safety techniques and connected 2,310 to victim services in 2023 alone.
To honor Jo-Ann’s legacy, the Board is committed to a smooth, inclusive transition that will focus on strengthening the influence and well-being of Asian Americans, while ensuring AAF’s continued leadership in advocating for and empowering the community.
About AAF: The Asian American Federation (AAF) is the strongest leadership organization advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers. AAF does this work in partnership with our 70 member and partner organizations. We represent the collective interests of Asian New Yorkers on issues of anti-Asian violence, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement. Our efforts ensure that the Asian community remains visible, our needs are addressed, our contributions are valued, and our stories are told.
