Press Release

For Immediate Release: Contact Thursday, June 17, 2004 Bouy Te, Board Chair Tel: 202/667-4690,searac@searac.org

Max Niedzwiecki Named Executive Director of Southeast Asia Resource Action Center

The Southeast Asia Resource Action Center's Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Max Niedzwiecki, Ph.D., will serve as the organization's new Executive Director.

"Max brings very rich experiences in working with Asian Americans for the past sixteen years - from a refugee camp in Thailand, to community-based organizations in the U.S., and for the last five years at SEARAC. We will undoubtedly benefit greatly from his extensive experiences, but more importantly from his honorable commitment to listen to and to empower the Southeast Asian American community and leaders. The SEARAC Board is looking forward to working with Max in his new capacity as the Executive Director" states SEARAC Board Chair Bouy Te.

Dr. Niedzwiecki began working at SEARAC early in 1999, when he joined the group as Director of Programs and Resource Development. In January of 2004 he began as Acting Executive Director after the resignation of KaYing Yang from that leadership position. For over five years, he has participated in designing, managing, and implementing all of SEARAC's programs. He was chosen to be the new Executive Director after an extensive national search.

"Southeast Asian American communities are growing quickly and making wonderful contributions to the country and the world. Although many continue to struggle for the American Dream and don't fit any "model minority" image, it's amazing what many have accomplished since coming to the U.S. as refugees and immigrants. I am honored and excited by this appointment," states Dr. Niedzwiecki.

Dr. Niedzwiecki and the Board foresee a smooth transition that builds on the organization's work to cultivate community development and leadership among Americans with heritage in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, who now number over two million. This year SEARAC is providing $360,000 in grants, along with extensive technical assistance, to community organizations in its national network, which number 182 in all. SEARAC is also providing leadership development trainings to resettled refugees, producing publications documenting the assets and needs of the communities, and advocating for the populations in Washington, DC.

To learn more about SEARAC and its programs, visit http://www.searac.org/.

******** END *******