Board of Directors

President:
Stephen Sham, Mayor, City of Alhambra

Stephen Sham immigrated to the Los Angeles area as a teenager, graduating from Cal State LA with a degree in Business Administration. For more than twenty years, he has owned and operated a successful small business in Alhambra with his wife Rebecca.

As an immigrant himself, Stephen understands the importance of becoming involved in the community. Eight years ago, he decided to run for Alhambra City Council to give back to the community that gave him so much.

Prior to serving on the City Council, Stephen served Alhambra as a Planning Commissioner and as Vice Chair of the Transportation Commission. He previously served as President of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce and as Centennial President of the Alhambra Rotary Club, where he continues to be an active member. He is also an active supporter of the West San Gabriel Valley YMCA, the Alhambra Historical Society, and Alhambra Hospital.
During his eight years on the City Council, Alhambra has seen decreases in crime, revitalization of downtown Alhambra, balanced budgets and an increase in the city's financial reserves despite the deep economic downturn.

First Vice President:
Jeffrey Gee, Council Member, City of Redwood

Jeff Gee was elected to his first term on the City Council in Redwood City in 2009. Jeff served as Redwood City's Vice Mayor in 2012 and 2013. In November of 2013, Jeff was re-elected to a second term on the City Council and he was unanimously selected by his City Council colleagues to serve as the Mayor of Redwood City in 2014 and 2015.

Prior to his election to the City Council, Jeff served as an appointed member of the Redwood City Planning Commission, which included a term as the commission’s Chairman. Jeff is also a former appointed member of Redwood City’s Architectural Review Committee.

Jeff’s City Council committee appointments have included the Audit Committee, Economic Development Committee and several ad hoc committees, including High Speed Rail, Bayfront Flooding, and the San Mateo Rail Corridor Partnership.

Jeff also represents the City of Redwood City by serving on several regional public agency committees and boards, including his appointments as Chairman of the SamTrans Board of Directors; immediate Past-Chairman of the San Francisco Airport Community Roundtable; and Chairman of the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance. In all of these regional roles, Jeff is focused on reducing traffic congestion, protecting the environment and air quality, and ensuring that Redwood City and San Mateo County’s local economy is vibrant and that the quality of life for residents is protected and enhanced.

Jeff has also served as the Chairman of the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Jeff was honored as the 2006 Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year for his continued work to attract and retain good jobs to Redwood City and support local businesses downtown and throughout the city.

Jeff is also involved as a volunteer with many Redwood City organizations, including his work as the Past President, Treasurer, and Director of the Redwood Shores Community Association; President of the Shore at California Bayside Homeowner’s Association; Member, Cañada College Community Council; and the Advisory Board for the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center.

As a Board Member of the Ring the Bell Fund, Jeff raises much-needed funds for Peninsula public schools to have monitored fire alarms connected to their associated fire departments or fire districts, and to have sprinklers in the schools to maximize safety and minimize property damage.

Jeff also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Broadway By the Bay (BBB). Broadway By the Bay is the only major musical theatre company between San Francisco and Palo Alto producing full-scale musical productions using local talents.

Professionally, Jeff is a Vice President/General Manager with Swinerton Management & Consulting in San Francisco. He is a licensed architect, and is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He is married, and has two children.

Second Vice President
David Ryu, Council Member, City of Los Angeles

David E. Ryu is a Los Angeles Councilmember that represents the 4th Council District which includes the neighborhoods of Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, Silverlake, Miracle Mile, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Larchmont and a portion of Koreatown.

Ryu studied economics at UCLA; Public Policy and Administration at Rutgers; won a prestigious United Nations graduate internship; and was a Netkal Fellow at USC’s School of Social Work.

As Senior Deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Burke, he worked for years on issues like public health, housing, children and family services, transportation and senior services. He helped oversee the County budget and worked for a time as a Special Investigator for the Auditor-Controller, rooting out waste and fraudulent expenditures.

Ryu returned to the non-profit world and served as Director of Development and Public Affairs at one of Los Angeles’s largest non-profit health care providers: Kedren Acute Psychiatric Hospital and Community Health Center.

On July 1st, 2015 Ryu became the first Korean American to serve on the LA City Council and only the second Asian American.

Immediate Past President:
Wayne Lee, Council Member, City of Millbrae

Wayne Lee was elected to the Millbrae City Council in 2011. Prior to his election to the City Council, Wayne was on the Millbrae Planning Commission for six years, serving as the Commission’s Chair in 2008. Wayne is also an Alternate Representative to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), a member of the Board of Directors of the Congestion Relief Alliance, a member of the Electrification of Cal Trains Committee, and represents the City of Millbrae on several other regional and county committees.

Wayne, his family, his parents, and sister’s family have lived in Millbrae for the last 28 years. The children attend school in both the Millbrae School District and at St. Dunstan’s Prep School.

Wayne began his public service at the age of thirteen in emergency services with the Civil Air Patrol, an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was also appointed to the Pacifica Youth Commission. During his time as a Youth Commissioner, and through his dedication and the hard work and assistance of others, the Pacifica Youth Center became a reality.

Wayne graduated from the City College of San Francisco with recognition as the outstanding minority student and President of the Scholastic Society. Wayne went on to graduate from the University of California with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While a student at Cal, Wayne was President of the student chapter of the American Society of Chemical Engineers.

Following his graduation from Berkeley, Wayne began his 28 yearlong career as an environmental engineer in both the private and public sectors. For the past 22 years, Wayne assisted and regulated companies to ensure that they don’t pollute the air, water or land. Wayne is constantly striving to balance the creation and protection of jobs with sound and progressive environmental stewardship.

Wayne is proud to be the founding President of the Millbrae Education Foundation, which, in its first year of operation, did the unheard act of actual raising money to support education. He has volunteered his time as President of the PTA and was a member of the school site council at his son's school. Wayne organized and started the Millbrae Dog Park Committee in an effort to provide the City with an open park for dogs, their owners and all dog lovers. Wayne also volunteers as a Millbrae Lion and Chairs and advises the Millbrae Leos.

Wayne is appreciative, supportive and fully integrated into the volunteer spirit of Millbrae, all of which contributes greatly to the fabric of the community and Millbrae’s wonderfully inviting quality of life.
Wayne firmly believes that government cannot provide for everyone’s needs, but it should – and can – provide the tools with which a community can prosper through a wide variety of initiatives including recreation, safety, social enrichment, youth -oriented and public works programs. Wayne understands the need to create jobs and provide affordable housing for those who want to live in and support the city. To that end, Wayne has been actively working to revitalize and energize the Millbrae economy, which in turn will generate the necessary revenues for these vital city services and the supporting infrastructures.

Secretary-Treasurer:
Gabriel Quinto, Mayor, City of El Cerrito

El Cerrito High School Class of '79
Long Beach State University BS - Radio TV Film '84
El Cerrito City Council since 12/2014
Mayor Pro Tem 2017
Council Liaison to Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission - 2017
Human Relations Commission Member 2011 to 2014, Chair 2013 to 2014
Committee on Aging Member, 2013 to 2014
League of CA Cities East Bay Division – Director At Large
League of CA Cities API Caucus - Secretary-Treasurer
League of CA Cities LGBTQ Caucus - Director At Large
Environmental Committee – Member
Association of Bay Area Government – Delegate Representing El Cerrito
West Contra Costa Transportation Authority Commission – Alternate 2014 – Present
Marin Clean Energy – Alternate – 2014 to 2016
League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa – Vice President – Programs 2012 to Present
Sierra Club Bay Chapter – West Contra Costa Chair

- Political Committee 2013 to Present

Director At Large:
Rachelle Arizmendi, Mayor, City of Sierra Madre

Rachelle Arizmendi was elected to the City Council in 2014. In April 2016, she was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Rachelle was born in Carmel, California and is a graduate of San Diego State University (two Bachelor’s degrees) and Eastern Illinois University (Master’s degree).

Rachelle is the Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer of PACE (Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment). PACE is a non-profit community development organization that serves over 40,000 people every year in the areas of job training and employment, business development, early childhood education, financial education and asset building, energy and weatherization.She oversees a budget of close to $30 million and a staff of 350 employees. In her previous capacity at PACE, she held the position of Education Project Director for 16 years. She was also the Executive Director for 2-1-1 California(an affiliate organization of the United Ways of California) and an Adjunct Faculty member at Pasadena City College during her time away from PACE.

Rachelle and her husband made Sierra Madre their home in 2006. Rachelle has served on the City of Sierra Madre’s Community Services Commission for five years. In her role as a Sierra Madre Commissioner, Rachelle worked to enhance and improve the quality of life throughout Sierra Madre.

She is currently a member on the CA League of Cities'Community Services Policy Committee and a Board Member of the League’s Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus. Rachelle is also a Board Member of several non-profit entities.

Director At Large:
Rishi Kumar, Council Member, City of Saratoga

Rishi's Kumar is a senior executive in high-tech. Former IBM veteran, Cisco, Ford. Councilmember Kumar has a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Bachelors in Production Engineering from University of Mumbai.

Councilmember Kumar is a nexus of high-tech, public, private, non-profit, policy-making and the world of politics. His success in the valley stems not only from his love for cutting-edge technology, business/sales/technology leadership, but also from his ability to network, develop relationships with industry, political leaders and advocacy groups and formulating successful partnerships. He has a track record of leading teams, formulating win-win outcomes, influencing stakeholders with competing interests, adopting innovative, creative approaches and delivering game changing results.

Rishi is a community leader/elected official with years of experience working in Silicon Valley’s high-tech powerhouses. Today, Rishi is Vice President of Public Affairs at Smart Utility Systems, a software analytics cloud/mobile solution that is building a sustainable future and creating environmental efficiency. In his prior role at Imaginea Technologies, he was the GM of a business unit managing P&L, leading sales, presales and services. As a former IBM veteran his focus technology area is Software and Middleware. He is a political leader with an active social network within the State of California and nationally elected leaders. He has interacted with policymakers from various levels of government with a deep understanding of the legislative process.

Director At-Large:
Stephanie Nguyen, Council Member, City of Elk Grove

Stephanie Nguyen serves as the Executive Director of Asian Resources Inc., a non-profit community based organization that focuses on supporting low-income and limited English communities with employment preparation and retention, occupational skill acquisition, and career guidance and counseling. Prior to her appointment, she served on several boards and commissions, including the Juvenile Justice Commission, Pacific Rim Street Festival Foundation, and as Secretary of the Council of Asian Pacific Islander Together for Advocacy and Leadership (CAPITAL).

Director At-Large:
Jason Pu, Council Member, City of San Gabriel

Jason Pu was elected to the San Gabriel City Council in March of 2013 and began his term as Mayor in March of 2015. He was born in Pasadena, CA, grew up in Orange County and was captain of his high school football team. He now tries not to injure himself while playing softball with friends.

Jason graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1995 and from the UCLA School of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1999. As a student at Stanford, Jason helped to bring an Asian American Studies program to the university as a founding member of the Concerned Students for Asian American Studies and helped to organize students, faculty and staff as a founding member of Students Together Opposing Proposition 187. He also did volunteer work with the Haas Center for Public Service, the Support Network for Battered Women and the East Palo Alto Community Law Project. While at the UCLA School of Law, Jason worked at Public Counsel as a NAPIL/VISTA*AmeriCorps Summer Legal Fellow and was the Co-Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Law Students Association and a founding board member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County.

Jason began his professional career as a business attorney at Cooley LLP in Palo Alto, CA representing public and private technology companies, banks, venture capital firms and financial institutions. He also served as the firm’s Pro Bono Coordinator for FirstStop, a program of the San Mateo County Legal Aid Society providing free business and legal counseling to low-income micro-enterprises. He then worked for a small firm in Santa Monica, CA representing private companies and high net worth individuals before starting his own independent music label for Asian American artists. Jason now has his own practice as a business attorney and consultant for entrepreneurs and private investors in the areas of corporate, commercial, real estate and finance. He also devotes much of his personal time assisting nonprofit organizations, including as a pro bono attorney for Kids in Need of Defense representing a minor girl who was smuggled to the U.S. from China and as a supporter of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles, Asian Youth Center, La Casa de San Gabriel and OCA – Greater Los Angeles.

Jason is also a dedicated family man and member of the community. His wife, Kathay Feng, is the Executive Director of California Common Cause whose motto is “Holding Power Accountable.” Together, they have a daughter who attends public school in the San Gabriel Unified School District. He chairs his daughter’s School Site Council and actively supports the school’s parent-teacher organization, whether by grilling 700 hot dogs for school picnics or donning a mad scientist costume for the school’s Trunk-or-Treat.

Jason’s top priorities for the City of San Gabriel are to fix its public infrastructure including its streets and sewers, promote local economic development to create jobs and fill empty commercial spaces and maintain public safety standards for the community. His vision for the City of San Gabriel is a vibrant and diverse community for everyone to live, work and play.

Director At-Large:
Ali Taj, Council Member, City of Artesia

Ali Sajjad Taj has served on the Artesia City Council since December 2013.  He was elected Mayor Pro Tem on December 14, 2015.

Mayor Pro Tem Taj has focused his energy and time on improving day-to-day quality of life issues for all Artesia residents.  He has supported improved lighting, street quality and traffic safety, while being an advocate for bringing new businesses to the City both to generate revenue for City services and to provide new amenities for residents.

Mayor Pro Tem Taj possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a postgraduate degree of Master in Public Administration.

Mayor Pro Tem Taj has been in the financial services industry for the last 15 years.  During his career he has held several key leadership positions including District Manager, Regional Manager, Managing Principal, and Vice President with multinational firms like American Express, Ameriprise Financial, Weddell & Reed and T.D. Ameritrade.

Mayor Pro Tem Taj currently serves on several of the City of Artesia's internal committees, as well as representing the City as a member of several regional Boards and Committees. He chairs the Membership Committee and serves on the Board of Directors for the California Contract Cities Association. He serves on the Public Safety Policy Committee of the League of California Cities. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Eco-Rapid Transit Orange Line Development Authority of Los Angeles County, and serves the Executive Committee in the capacity of Internal Auditor. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus of the League of California Cities, serving as a Director at Large.

Council Member Taj remains humble about his accomplishments. He maintains that it’s important to keep the right perspective, something he’s strived to instill in his son.  He often reminds him, as well as his colleagues, of a story from one of his favorite books, The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.  The author says that life is a lot like a game of Monopoly: you may own Boardwalk and Park Place with two hotels but, when the game is over, all those pieces are going back in the box.

Director At-Large:
Thu-Ha Nguyen, Council Member, City of Garden Grove

Thu-Ha Nguyen was elected to the Garden Grove City Council in November 2016. She is first and foremost a community organizer active in promoting veteran services, youth leadership development, and civic engagement. A former refugee, Thu-Ha has been passionate in leading community-wide disaster relief efforts for displaced individuals and families. For more than a decade, Thu-Ha has mobilized volunteers and donors to help disabled veterans. She has been recognized as a Women of the Year by the California State Senate and an Emerging Leader by the Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance.

Thu Ha is a product of Orange County public schools. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and a Masters Degree in Clinical Genetic from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Thu-Ha works professionally as a research and testing Clinical Scientist. She has built a successful almost 20 years career in management, genetic cancer research, and medical testing.

Thu-Ha is a proud Tae-Kwon-Do mom. She and her husband, Tom, are the proud parents of three boys. She is currently a board member of the California League of Cities – Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and the Coordinating Committee of Vietnamese American Youth Organizations of Southern California.