Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) is wishing a fond farewell to its President and CEO Patricia Eng, who recently informed the AAPIP Board of her decision to retire. Eng joined the organization in 2019 and helped AAPIP successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, respond in solidarity to the racial justice uprising, and take action to address anti-Asian hate.
“The AANHPI community was enormously fortunate to have Pat leading AAPIP during this incredibly challenging period, demonstrating powerful leadership in combating anti-Asian hate, generating more funding for AAPI communities, and helping organizations navigate the perils of the COVID-19 pandemic,“ said Board Co-Chairs Sally Carlson and Priscilla Enriquez. “We thank her deeply for her many contributions and wish her a wonderful retirement.”
Under Eng’s leadership, AAPIP’s institutional and individual membership doubled. She also grew the staff and budget, positioning the organization for success. As the membership and organization grew, Eng worked to organize individuals at all levels within philanthropy to show up for AANHPI communities during unprecedented times.
The AAPIP Board has appointed Lyle Matthew Kan as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. Previously, Kan served as Interim National Director of Change Philanthropy, Interim Vice President of Programs of AAPIP, and Vice President of Research & Communications of Funders for LGBTQ Issues. Among other things during his previous tenure at AAPIP, he authored the first report on AANHPI funding in 14 years, Seeking to Soar: Foundation Funding for Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities.
“The AAPIP Board is delighted that Lyle Matthew Kan has agreed to lead AAPIP during this transition period. His deep experience, superb track record of strategic leadership, and excellent management skills will ensure that AAPIP will continue to grow and have impact without skipping a beat,” said Carlson and Enriquez.
“AAPIP is an organization near and dear to my heart,” said Kan. “Having attended my first AAPIP event more than 10 years ago, I could not be more excited to re-join AAPIP in this new capacity. While I stand on the shoulders of giants, I look forward to working with AAPIP’s incredibly talented staff, dedicated board of directors, committed chapter leadership, and powerful membership to advance AAPIP’s mission and ensure a smooth transition.”
Established in 1990, AAPIP is a justice-minded national philanthropy-serving organization that provides unique community spaces for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and allies in philanthropy. AAPIP is a membership-based organization that centers equity and justice in philanthropy to move money and build power of AAPI communities for an inclusive democracy.
AAPIP serves as the progressive home to AANHPIs in philanthropy at all leadership levels across the sector. Anchored by national staff, AAPIP works across the country through a chapter network as sites of regional activism serving as a bridge between philanthropy and local non-profit organizations. These chapters are centers for place-based advocacy, information sharing, leadership development and network building around AAPI issues and philanthropy.
