Dear Friends and Partners,

It is with great sense of honor that I introduce myself as the new President and CEO of NAPCA. The emotions are intense and bittersweet as I join the organization in continuing its service-minded work for our cherished elders. To say times have been challenging is an understatement and I share the immense pain and anguish of loss that many of you are experiencing in this moment. With the meteoric rise of anti-Asian hate-incidents coupled with the devastating toll the pandemic has taken, older Americans have been disproportionately impacted in a manner that can only be described as critical, if not catastrophic.

It is in this “perfect storm” that we must redouble our efforts to assisting the most vulnerable in our communities. We must continue to raise our voices to speak on their behalf. We must facilitate access to the necessary support and services they so desperately need. The daunting work that lies ahead of us can only be achieved through cooperation. Therefore, I urge all in the NAPCA family to take responsibility and explore ways you can best assist the needs of the community.

I have built my career on a foundation of community-based networking that has raised funds and delivered relief to countless individuals in need. It is my hope to leverage this experience and the relationships I have developed over the years to create the most positive outcomes for those we serve. It will be imperative to counsel and advise our policy leaders so that solutions are equitable. Being based in Washington D.C. and having allies here will strengthen our position as the leading advocates for AANHPI elders. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our elders for paving the way for our younger generations. And to our front-line medical and nursing professionals for the care and life-saving services they have continued to tirelessly and selflessly provide during the pandemic. And finally, to the caregiving professionals and loving family members who tend to the aging with patience and compassion every day. Let me express my deepest gratitude and admiration for all that you do. Our organization will continue to uplift and assist you in our fullest capacity through our in-language resources and Helpline as well as our community-driven campaigns.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my predecessor, Joon Bang for his tremendous efforts to elevate NAPCA to where it is today and acknowledge his leadership in re-establishing a strong foundation for NAPCA’s future that the board has placed in my hands.

I certainly can’t achieve success alone so I ask you to please join us as we build a better nation for our beloved elders and their families.

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,
David L. Kim

Photo of David L. Kim (Back) with three late iconic Korean-American leaders taken in 1997, Los Angeles (Left to Right):
David Hyun, Susan Ahn Cuddy, and Colonel Young Oak Kim.
These legendary elders continue to inspire and guide David’s leadership and commitment to the community.