Max Niedzwiecki to Serve as Interim Executive Director

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December 18, 2003

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I am very pleased to announce that while the SEARAC Board of Directors continues its search for an Executive Director, Max Niedzwiecki, SEARAC's Director of Programs and Resource Development, has been appointed to serve as the Interim Executive Director, effective January 1, 2004.

As many of you know, Max has been an effective and devoted staff of SEARAC for nearly five years. His extensive and integral knowledge of SEARAC's programs and constituents will provide stability and a seamless transition. Max's leadership at SEARAC ranges from programmatic implementation to grant writing and research. He has served as a senior staff member of SEARAC, guiding our strategic planning process, building strong relationships with the Southeast Asian American leaders across the nation, and serving as the primary co-author and researcher of our soon to be released publication on the status of the Southeast Asian Americans in the United States. His impeccable attention to detail, support of staff and tireless work ethic will ensure SEARAC's continued growth during this search process.

Prior to joining SEARAC Max has worked with Cambodian American organizations, international organizations, and independent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). He was awarded a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Boston University in May of 1998 after completing research and a dissertation focused on Cambodian American organizations.

As you may recall, several months ago, I met with the SEARAC Board of Directors to announce my resignation as the Executive Director effective December 31st. That date is quickly approaching and I take this time to write a few words to express my gratitude and thanks to each of you for being my friend and teacher during my time at SEARAC. I learned a great deal from all of you.

As I begin to clean out my desk and office, I flip through hundreds of business cards collected over the years, taxi receipts, airplane stubs, calendars filled with appointments, meetings, receptions, happy hour notices, congressional briefings, galas, late evening conference calls, weekend strategizing forums, speaking engagements, therapy sessions, and so on. These are the evidence and reminders of how full my years have been in Washington, DC and of course the amount of work we have had at SEARAC. I am exhausted just looking at the scribblings on these note pads and pieces of papers. At the same time, I also remember how thrilling it was and the accomplishments that resulted from many of these engagements.

I didn't go to those meetings alone, many of you were there with me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, leadership and friendship. Your advocacy strengthened our voices when we were not at the table, and I know that we served as your voice when you were busy elsewhere.

Although it is very sad for me to leave the SEARAC family and DC friends I've grown to care very much for, I am happy to know that SEARAC is under the able leadership of the Board of Directors, the fine management of Max Niedzwiecki and the rest of the wonderful staff. Your vision and support will not be forgotten. I look forward to working with all of you in the future.

May the New Year bring you peace and justice as we envisioned it!

KaYing Yang

After December 31, please use the following contact information for me:

3900 16th Street, NW #422
Washington, DC 20011
202-722-9191
kayingy@aol.com and kayingyang2003@yahoo.com