ACRS Announces Executive Director Transition and Search for New CEO
SEATTLE – Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) announced today that Executive Director Michael Byun will be transitioning out of his position, with the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) beginning in December 2024.
Michael has served as Executive Director for nearly seven years, leading the organization with vision, dedication, and resilience. During his tenure, he guided ACRS through key milestones, including its 50th anniversary, while successfully navigating significant challenges such as the global pandemic and the national racial justice movements following the tragic death of George Floyd.
“I am inspired by the resilience of ACRS and our people during these challenges. Our ability to endure and overcome will serve as a source of strength for ACRS and the community as we face potential federal-level threats that may impact the communities we care for. The lessons learned and the collaborative efforts we’ve engaged in will position ACRS to continue protecting and defending our social justice values,” said Michael.
Michael will remain in his role until the new CEO is appointed in the summer or fall of 2025, ensuring a thoughtful transition of leadership. The Board of Directors is deeply grateful for Michael’s leadership and unwavering commitment to ACRS’s mission of advocating for and supporting Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other underserved communities in the region.
“Michael has led us through some of the most challenging times for our society and for ACRS. His commitment to the health and well-being of our staff, clients, and community has provided stability and a clear path forward. On behalf of the Board, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for his service and his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition as we identify ACRS’s next leader,” said Juliana Wong, President of the ACRS Board of Directors.
As part of the transition, the Board has formed a search committee tasked with identifying ACRS’s next Chief Executive Officer. The committee is in the process of gathering input from the community and ACRS staff on the qualities and attributes the new CEO should possess. Interested candidates can learn more about the position and apply at bit.ly/ACRSCEOPosition. The search will be thorough and inclusive, with the goal of appointing a new CEO by the summer or fall of 2025. ACRS is committed to finding a leader who shares the organization’s core values of social justice, community, and service, and who will build on Michael’s legacy of leadership.
A public announcement regarding the new CEO will be made following the completion of the search process.
Click here to view the full press release as a PDF.
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ACRS is a social justice organization that promotes the health and well-being of Asians, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and other communities by providing and advocating for responsive community-based services.
Media Contact:
Liza Javier
ACRS Communications Manager
(206) 774-2460
lizaj@acrs.org
