Press Release
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2018
NORTHEAST OHIO’S ASIA, INC. ANNOUNCES THE TRANSITION OF ITS CEO
Cleveland, OH – Asian Services In Action’s (ASIA) board of directors has announced that its longtime leader, Michael Byun, is leaving the organization after 15 years of outstanding service and the board is beginning a search for a new chief executive officer. Michael will be stepping down following the November 16, 2018 Annual Gala and Fundraiser.
ASIA is the leading health and social services organization for Ohio’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. ASIA is also an influential advocacy voice for the community. Annually, the organization serves over 58,000 people providing comprehensive and integrated health and social services and information and resources.
During Michael’s tenure, the organization has seen rapid growth in programs and services to respond to community needs. Key initiatives include services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, expansion of the workforce and jobs training program in Cuyahoga and Summit counties, the launch of the statewide voter registration program and civic engagement project working with over a dozen community- and ethnic-based organizations. In 2013, ASIA opened the doors to its International Community Health Center (ICHC), a federally qualified health center (FQHC) to address the healthcare access issue for those who face language and cultural barriers. This summer, the organization will open a new location for its Akron social services office and health center at 370 E. Market Street, Akron, Ohio.
“Michael has demonstrated incredible leadership building ASIA to be an anchor for Ohio’s Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI), immigrant, refugee and other communities. His collaborative nature and the ability to think outside the box means our community has access to programs and services that they never did before. Additionally, his unfailing advocacy for the community has put Ohio’s AAPI’s on the radar of policymakers at the local-, state- and national level. We are saddened that Michael is leaving but recognize that he will be returning back home to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to his aging parents,” said Alyssa Naragon, ASIA’s board president.
“The organization enjoys strong operation and healthy financials. Michael has given the board ample notice to help us as we look for our next chief executive officer. Michael has also agreed to assist with the transition by overlapping with the new CEO.”
The board of directors has established a search committee. The position description can be found at (www.asiaohio.org/employment).
Please join ASIA on November 16, 2018, at Cleveland State University as we celebrate 22 years since our founding, and also take the opportunity to thank Michael for his years of service. Tickets and sponsorships are available, contact Vince Vong (vong@asiaohio.org).
CONTACT: Kimlee Sureemee, kimlee.sur@asiaohio.org
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Asian Services In Action, Inc. (ASIA)
Founded in 1995, ASIA is the leading organization in Ohio in providing culturally and linguistically relevant health and human services to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), and others who face cultural barriers. Its mission is to provide AAPIs and others access to quality, culturally, and linguistically appropriate information and services. For more information about ASIA, visit www.asiaohio.org, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn by searching @asiaohio. Donate today.