Transitions and Appreciations Heading into 2024

We hope you are enjoying this winter season and finding meaning in the many ways we reflect on and celebrate the end of year. 

As we move into the new year, APANO and APANO Action Fund are embracing transition with a shift in our Co-Executive Director (Co-ED) team. Transitions can often bring uncertainty, yet they also offer meaningful opportunities for learning and growth. Both of our boards of directors are committed to supporting our organizations, Co-ED team and staff through this time of change. 

As Allie Yee shared in her November 3rd message, she will be transitioning out of her role as Co-ED this month. In the interim, we are pleased to announce that Amy Powers and Kim Lepin will continue to lead both organizations as a two-person Co-ED team.The Co-ED team will also enlist additional support as they transition Allie’s areas of work under their supervision.

Throughout this transition, our dedication to the shared executive leadership model — which strongly aligns with our organizational values and mission — remains unwavering. As we support the two-person team in the coming months, we look forward to reflecting on the effectiveness of this model and will consider returning to or making adjustments to the three-person model in 2024.

Additionally, we are delighted to announce that the APANO board will welcome Siniva Bennett as the new chair in the upcoming year. Siniva has been an invaluable member of the board since 2020, and we are excited for her to take on this new role. At the same time, we bid a fond farewell to our interim chair, Cleo Tung, who will be stepping down at the end of this month after more than four years of service on the board.

Amidst these changes, our hearts are filled with gratitude. It’s with deep appreciation that we acknowledge and celebrate Allie's remarkable leadership during her tenure at APANO and APANO Action Fund. Throughout her time with us, Allie navigated challenges and embraced opportunities with grace and resilience. Notably, she fearlessly championed the implementation of our first shared leadership model, alongside her fellow Co-EDs. On behalf of the boards, we thank Allie for her dedication to advancing the organizations’ mission, vision and values. 

We also want to express our appreciation to Kim and Amy for leaning even further into their leadership and guiding the organizations through this time of change. And finally, to the organizations’ staff, partners, allies and community members — thank you for your support and dedication as we move through this transition together. We are immensely grateful for each of you and your unwavering commitment to our communities. 

We wish each of you a rejuvenating end of year and look forward to continuing our work together in 2024.