Asian American Federation Appoints Catherine Chen as Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2024
CONTACT: Josh Rosenfeld | jrosenfeld@teamavoq.com | 908-770-7204
Chen to Succeed Longtime Leader Jo-Ann Yoo Beginning May 1st
NEW YORK, NY – The Asian American Federation (AAF) proudly announces the appointment of Catherine Chen as its new Executive Director, effective May 1, 2025. A leader with a deep commitment to justice and equity, Chen most recently served as CEO of Polaris, a national organization working to end human trafficking and support survivors. In that role, she oversaw a $14 million budget and led the organization’s shift to a survivor-centered model, driving change through community engagement, federal policy reform, and strategic storytelling. At the Federation, Chen will bring her deep experience to further the organization’s mission to uplift and improve the lives of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across New York, and strengthen their visibility and influence in state policy.
“Catherine brings an exciting combination of operational vision and deep grassroots empathy to the Asian American Federation,” said Kim Lee, Chair of AAF’s Board of Directors. “She understands both the levers of power and the needs of our communities. We are thrilled to welcome a leader who has spent her career pushing for structural change and who shares our commitment to lifting up the 2 million Asian New Yorkers across this city and state.”
Chen’s leadership is rooted in lived values of equity, collaboration, and care. Her experience includes senior roles at Humanity United, where she directed $7 million annually in philanthropic investments toward global labor rights, and at Save the Children, where she led child protection programs across Asia. She currently serves on the boards of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum and served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council until January 20, 2025.
Catherine Chen will assume the position of Executive Director at the Asian American Federation from May 1, 2025.
“I am honored to lead the Asian American Federation at this pivotal time. One in six New Yorkers is Asian American, yet our community continues to experience rising anti-Asian bigotry, economic insecurity, and political invisibility. That’s why the Asian American Federation’s work is more essential than ever,” said Catherine Chen, Executive Director. “I have been an organizer in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities my entire life. My parents ran a volunteer voter education organization for Chinese Americans, and I grew up at the Sunday afternoon kitchen table surrounded by their friends, organizing and planning how to make our communities safer, stronger, and more welcoming. I’ve spent the last 20 years of my career building partnerships across movements, sectors, and geographies on behalf of excluded and marginalized communities. I look forward to working alongside our incredible member organizations and community leaders to build power, ensure dignity, and expand opportunity for all Asian Americans in New York.”
Chen succeeds Jo-Ann Yoo, who concluded her transformative 13-year tenure at the end of 2024. Under Yoo’s leadership, the Federation experienced remarkable growth and impact, becoming a leading force for AAPI advocacy across New York, growing to include over 70 members advocating for improved services and opportunities for New York’s Asian Americans, the fastest-growing population in the city and state.
“Building and leading the Asian American Federation for the past 13 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life. It was a labor of love to grow this organization into a strong and trusted voice for our communities–every step has been a collective achievement. I leave with immense gratitude and joy, knowing that AAF is in extraordinary hands. I’m thrilled to pass the baton to Catherine as she leads the Federation to the next level of leadership. Catherine’s commitment, experience and passion are exactly what our communities need as we continue to navigate new and old challenges and strive for equity and visibility,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, former Executive Director of AAF.
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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. Find out more at www.aafederation.org.
