New York, NY – This Thursday, Assemblymember Ron Kim and Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, Co-Chairs of the New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force, announced the appointment of Christopher Kui as the very first Executive Director for the Task Force. Mr. Kui brings a wealth of experience with him from his time as Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality, and his many years at the executive level will prove invaluable for his new role.

The Asian Pacific American Task Force was formed in 2017 to advocate for Asian Pacific Americans across the State of New York. It is the first legislative body to focus exclusively on advancing an agenda for Asian Americans statewide. Mr. Kui will focus on advocating for the major issues affecting New York’s large and diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Assemblymember Ron Kim said: “I am proud to introduce my long-time colleague, Christopher Kui, as the first Executive Director of our Assembly’s newly formed Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force. He has devoted his entire career serving our communities and will have an essential role in the future development of our task force. Christopher has consistently championed the issues that strike at the heart of the Asian Pacific American community, and I know he will continue to do so in this new position.”

Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou said: “Christopher has an incredible track record as a leader and an advocate. I have known him for many years, and I am thrilled that he will be at the helm of the Asian Pacific American Task Force. Christopher has over two decades of experience as the leader of a prominent community advocacy and development corporation, and his work has empowered Asian Pacific Americans everywhere.

“As Executive Director of the Task Force, Christopher will be working closely with myself, Assemblyman Kim, the other Task Force members to shape an agenda that will uplift Asian Pacific American communities across our State. Christopher’s steadfast commitment to Asian Pacific American New Yorkers and immigrants will help us to build a more equitable New York and give a stronger voice to Asian Pacific Americans. Thank you to Assemblyman Kim and the members of the Task Force for their ongoing commitment to our state, and I look forward to working together to ensure that Asian Pacific Americans have a seat at the table.”

Christopher Kui, Executive Director of the New York State Assembly Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force, said: “I am excited and proud to be joining the Assembly’s Asian Pacific American Task Force as its very first Executive Director. This is the first state legislative body to focus exclusively on the issues that affect New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and it stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of Assemblymembers Kim and Niou to create a platform through which our voices can be heard. I promise to do all that I can in working with the members of the task force and communities across our state to advocate on the laws and policies that directly impact the lives of Asian Pacific Americans.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng said: “Chris Kui is an experienced, dedicated and talented professional who has long championed issues affecting Asian Americans and immigrant communities. I look forward to working with him and members of the task force to address the needs and concerns that impact Asian Americans throughout our state.”

Assistant Speaker Felix W Ortiz said: "I have known Christopher Kui for many years. He's a well-qualified, excellent choice to carry the role of executive director. I welcome his appointment."

"Christopher Kui’s years of experience advocating for issues at every level of government make him an ideal fit to be APA Task Force Executive Director,” said Assemblymember Edward Braunstein. “I look forward to working with him and my colleagues on the Task Force to ensure that the Asian American community continues to have a strong voice in Albany.”

“As a member of the Asian American Pacific Task Force and as an Assembly member who represents one of the largest Asian & Pacific American populations in the state, I want to warmly welcome the Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force’s Inaugural Executive Director Christopher Kui,” said Assemblyman David I. Weprin. “Mr. Kui has spent much of his dynamic career advocating for Asian American and immigrant communities in various capacities and is a natural choice for the role of Executive Director. I look forward to working with Mr. Kui to advance the agenda of our task force.”

"I am delighted to congratulate Chris Kui on his appointment as the first-ever Executive Director of the New York State Asian Pacific American Task Force. Having worked closely with Chris during his time at Asian Americans for Equality, I have personally seen his leadership and skill in improving the lives of Asian Americans in New York. Chris will do an incredible job of shaping and advancing the task force's agenda and I look forward to collaborating with him in this new role,” Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows).

"For decades, Christopher Kui has actively worked to create a more equitable, inclusive city for Asian Americans and immigrant communities, and I am thrilled to join my elected colleagues to congratulate him on his new role as the first Executive Director of the Assembly's Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force. I look forward to continuing to partner with him as he steers the mission, values and goals of Asian Americans across New York State forward," said Council Member Margaret S. Chin.

“I look forward to working with the new Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force, Christopher Kui, to continue the important work and advocacy for the Asian American community in our state. His experience and expertise will be an excellent addition,” said Assemblyman Peter J. Abbate, Jr.

Assemblymember Aravella Simotas said: "I am delighted that our important task force will now have such a capable Executive Director."

Assemblyman Mike Miller said: “I look forward working with Christopher Kui, the first appointed Executive Director for the NYS Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force. I will work with Christopher Kui on ways we can better improve the lives of Asian Pacific Americans and immigrants living in New York State and will continue to advocate for them in my district.”

“I am excited and honored to join the Assembly's Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force in welcoming Christopher Kui as the new executive director”, stated Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the Assembly’s Task Force on New Americans. “I look forward to working with Mr. Kui in creating an environment that will allow the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to grow and flourish.”

Assemblyman William Colton (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend and Dyker Heights) said: “I congratulate Christopher Kui on his appointment as Executive Director of the NYS Asian Pacific American Task Force and look forward to working together with him on issues of concern.”

Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried said: “I join my colleagues in the Assembly’s new Asian Pacific American Legislative Task Force in welcoming Christopher Kui as its first Executive Director. His long record of executive leadership and community service will be an enormous asset that will help ensure that the Task Force gets off to a strong start.”

“Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso sends his best wishes to Christopher Kui on his appointment as Executive Director of the APA Task Force. During his 25 years as Executive Director for Asian Americans for Equality, Christopher developed a holistic approach for fair housing, tenant and landlord counseling, home ownership programs and small business growth.” Since I came to America as an immigrant from Italy, I especially appreciate the programs he spearheaded which aimed to improve the quality of life of our immigrant communities and increased access to social services for families,” said Assemblyman D’Urso.

About Christopher Kui: Mr. Kui recently retired after 25 years as the Executive Director for Asian Americans for Equality. As head of AAFE, Mr. Kui developed a holistic approach to fair housing, tenant and landlord counseling, home ownership programs and small business growth. In addition, Mr. Kui spearheaded programs aimed at improving the quality of life of our immigrant communities and increased access to social services for families across our city. Mr. Kui is also the founder of the National Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans for Community Development (National CAPACD), a leading advocacy organization.