CAO K. O

Executive Director

Cao K. O is the first executive director of the Asian American Federation, a pan-Asian philanthropic and policy organization that advances the civic voice and well-being of Asian Americans. Founded in 1989, the Federation promotes Asian American giving, provides grants to address community needs, conducts research to inform policies affecting Asian Americans, and offers support to strengthen community organizations. Under Mr. O’s leadership, the Federation has gained local and national recognition for its groundbreaking work and the catalytic role it has undertaken on behalf of the Asian American community. Among several awards are the 2002 Leadership Award from the Los Angeles based Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Inc. and the 2007 Leadership in Action Award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Mr. O is a board member of Hamilton-Madison House, the Human Services Council of New York City and the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York. Appointed by Governor David Paterson, Mr. O is a member of the Community Services Block Grant Advisory Council to the Department of State. He also serves on advisory committees of several organizations, including New York City Department for the Aging, and United Way of New York City. He is a member of News Corporation’s Community Diversity Council. In September 2003, at the invitation of the U.S. State Department, Mr. O took a ten-day tour of Japan to speak on the role of nonprofit organizations in American society and, in particular, the Federation’s post- September 11th experiences.

Mr. O has been recognized by numerous city officials and organizations. He is a member of the Hall of Fame of the Alumni Association of Hunter College. In May 2002, Mr. O was featured as an “Unsung Hero” on WB 11 (WPIX-TV) in recognition of his dedication and leadership in the months after the September 11th tragedy.

Prior to joining the Federation, Mr. O was with United Way of New York City, serving as chief adviser on its Asian American Initiative. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. O worked at the New York State Office of Mental Health to improve mental health care access for refugees. Earlier, he served as development director of Hamilton-Madison House, a multi-service settlement house on the Lower East Side.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Mr. O arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1975 with only rudimentary knowledge of English. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Cornell University and then a master’s degree from Hunter College School of Social Work.