Board of Directors

Board of Directors 2020-2021

President
Sheng Thao, Council Member, City of Oakland

Sheng Thao was elected in November 2018 as the District 4 City Councilmember in Oakland. She is the first Hmong American to be elected to the Oakland City Council.

Sheng Thao comes from humble beginnings. One of four daughters of asylum seekers from the Vietnam War, she is a member of a tight knit, Hmong American family. As a single mother, and domestic violence survivor, Sheng put herself through college while working and raising her son. She graduated as Valedictorian from Merritt College and transferred to U.C. Berkeley, where she earned her degree in Legal Studies. During her time at Cal, she co-founded a food access program for students with children because she encountered many students who struggled to afford healthy food for their families.

Sheng has many years of experience on the Oakland City Council as a senior legislative staff member and as Council Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, she has managed multiple city budget cycles - focused on balancing a transparent and responsible budget. Sheng also has extensive experience staffing regional government Boards and Commissions where she has worked on ways to bring funding to Oakland for public safety, transit, and capital improvement projects. Sheng is also an active participant on the Alameda Labor Council's Rapid Response working group, which aims to protect undocumented immigrants in Oakland and its neighboring cities. As a champion for the environment, Sheng has worked on policy solutions to provide cleaner air and water for Oakland residents.

Sheng is a lifelong public servant and currently serves as a board member on the Redwood Heights Association, she is also on the board for the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, and serves as the Vice President for the Asian American Democratic Caucus of Alameda County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her son, biking through Joaquin Miller Park, and camping in the Stanislaus and El Dorado forests with her family. Sheng lives in District 4 with her 11 year old son, Benedict, who is a Joaquin Miller Elementary alum.

1st Vice President
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 and 2019. 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.

2nd Vice President
Juslyn Manalo, Mayor, City of Daly City

Juslyn Manalo was elected to Daly City Council and appointed Vice Mayor in 2016. She served as Mayor in 2017-2018. Juslyn is the first Asian American woman in these aforementioned respective roles.

She was raised in Daly City since she was 8 years old, and has deep roots in serving the community from a young age. Being raised in the multi-ethnic city of Daly City has given Manalo a deep appreciation for diversity. Early in her career, she became a Community Service Worker providing direct service to the Filipino World War II Veterans. Juslyn also managed the Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP), a program that helped low to moderate income families, find, defend and sustain their housing.

Currently, she is a Community Engagement Associate with Brookfield building partnerships to create community development opportunities such as affordable housing, jobs, open space, and youth development.

Manalo currently serves as a Board of Director for the Bay Area Water Supply Conservation Agency (BAWSCA), Senior Disability Action(SDA),Affordable Housing Committee for Daly City and is seated on the Skyline College President Council.

Previously she served on the Personnel Board for the City of Daly City Chairwoman for the SamTrans Citizen Advisory Committee ensuring that local community voice is represented.

Manalo earned her Masters of Public Administration, from San Francisco State University's School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement. She has also attained a Bachelor of Arts, in Asian-American Studies and a Minor in Women Studies from San Francisco State University.

Secretary-Treasurer
Jeffrey Koji Maloney, Council Member, City of Alhambra

Jeff Koji Maloney is Chief Staff Counsel for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, an agency of the State of California that is dedicated to the protection of open space and urban parks and has preserved nearly 80,000 acres of parkland throughout the greater Los Angeles region.

In 2018, Jeff became Mayor of the City of Alhambra, California after winning election to the City Council in 2016. Jeff remains active in a variety of community and governmental organizations, serving as a board member of the Asian Pacific Islanders Caucus of the League of California Cities, the Go For Broke National Education Center, and was co-chair of the Alhambra Host Town Committee during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

He attended law school at the University of Southern California and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. Jeff lives in Alhambra with his wife, Akiko, and their young two children.

Director At-Large
Ali Taj, Mayor, 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.

Director At-Large
Gabriel Quinto, Mayor Pro Tem, City of El Cerrito

Term Expires: 2022

El Cerrito High School Class of '79
Long Beach State University BS – Radio TV Film 1983
El Cerrito City Council since 12/2014
Mayor 2018
Mayor Pro Tem 2017
Contra Costa Mayors Conference – Chair 2020
Council Liaison to Crime Prevention Committee, Design Review Board, and Economic Development Committee - 2020
West County Integrated Waste Management Authority Delegate - 2020
Council Liaison to East Bay Green Corridor, Human Relations Commission, Planning Commission, and Urban Forest Committee – 2019
Contra Costa Mayors Conference – Vice Chair 2019
Council Liaison to Economic Development Committee – 2018
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
Contra Costa Mayors Conference Representative to the Hazardous Materials Commission
League of CA Cities East Bay Division – Second Vice President
League of CA Cities API Caucus – Past President
League of CA Cities LGBTQ Caucus – Vice President
League of CA Cities - Environmental Policy Committee – Member
Association of Bay Area Government – Delegate Representing El Cerrito
West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee – Alternate 2014 – 2018
Marin Clean Energy Board – Alternate – 2014 to 2016
Sierra Club Bay Chapter – Elected Executive Committee Member, Political Committee – 3/2020

Director At-Large
Polly Low, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Rosemead

Polly Low is currently serving as the Council Member of City of Rosemead. The goals for Mrs. Low are to instill city policies that promote economic growth and encourage a more progressive community that is up to date in development and technology. She also aims to provide a cleaner and safer community for residents by focusing on the removal of graffiti, providing more patrols, and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. Since she has been in office, many improvements have been put in place and many residents are pleased to see the positive changes in the city. Some of the improvements in the city include construction of a first class Aquatic Center and a water play park to replace antiquated and malfunction swimming pools. She also promotes governmental transparency as shown through her efforts in her early years to initiate a city website and stream city council meetings online.

As a Rosemead resident for over 30 years, Mrs. Low became active in the community in early 2005. In 2005, former Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero honored her as the Woman of the Year for her involvement and willingness to step up and fight for her neighbors. She received an award from former Congresswoman Hilda Solis in 2007 in recognition of her commitment to the advancement and advocacy for women. In 2014, Mrs. Low also received the Women of Distinction Award from Congresswoman Judy Chu for her dedication, compassion, and selfless commitment to the community.

Polly Low served as the President of the Chinese Elected Officials (CEO) from 2013-2015. She is also involved League of California Cities by serving as one of the Board of Directors in 2016 and served as the President of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Caucus in 2015-2016. At the national level, Mrs. Low served as the President of the Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials (APAMO) of National League of Cities in 2017-2018. She is also appointed by State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon to serve as a Commissioner on the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Affairs.

Mrs. Low received her Bachelor’s Degree in Math/Computer Science from UCLA and her Master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University. She has worked in the aerospace industry for over 30 years and is currently employed by Raytheon as a Software Engineering Manager. She has been married to her husband Ving for over 25 years. They are proud parents of three children, Kevin, Matthew, and Kristi.

Director At-Large
Stephanie Nguyen, Vice Mayor, 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
Shawn Kumagai, Vice Mayor, City of Dublin

Shawn Kumagai was elected to Dublin City Council in November 2018. The son of a first-generation immigrant, Councilmember Kumagai is also a third-generation veteran. He has been serving for the past 18 years in the United States Navy, and is currently serving as a Master Chief Petty Officer in the Navy Reserve, assigned to an intelligence unit at Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin. He currently works as the District Director for Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (AD-16).

Councilmember Kumagai represents the Dublin City Council on several local and regional committees and commissions including the Alameda County Fire Department Advisory Committee, the Alameda County Housing Authority, Association of Bay Area Governments General Assembly, Dublin Pride – Integrity in Action Committee, East Bay Regional Park District Liaison Committee, Federal and Military Communities Committee, San Ramon City Liaison Committee, Tri-Valley Affordable Housing Committee, and the Tri-Valley Water Liaison Committee.

Councilmember Kumagai is committed to ensuring that the City of Dublin remains a safe and accessible community for people of many backgrounds. Prior to serving the City of Dublin, Councilmember Kumagai was elected to represent Democrats in Assembly District 16 as a delegate to the California Democratic Party (CDP). He also serves as the Northern California Chair for the CDP Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and was a founding member of the Lambda Democratic Club of Contra Costa County.

Councilmember Kumagai received an Associate of Arts in Chinese Mandarin from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, California. While serving on Active Duty, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree by attending school part-time, and then went on to get a Masters of Instructional Science and Technology at CSU Monterey Bay. He moved to Dublin in 2016, after returning from a Navy deployment. He is guardian to his younger brother Kevin, a student at Dublin High School, and is a committed partner to his husband Alex.