[San Jose, CA] Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) announced today that Michele Lew, President and CEO, will leave the organization to join Stanford Health Care.Lew joined AACI, a nonprofit community-based organization, as CEO in 2005.  AACI has since more than doubled in size, with culturally competent staff who provide integrated health and wellness services in over 40 languages and dialects. The organization has an annual budget of $18 million and serves over 15,000 clients annually.

During the past decade, AACI received ongoing federal funding for its primary care health center, created an innovative patient navigator program, expanded behavioral health and HIV/AIDS testing services, renovated its Asian Women’s Home, enlarged its Center for Survivors of Torture, launched problem gambling services, introduced new youth leadership and senior wellness programs, established a new satellite office in east San Jose, and successfully advocated for funding and policies to support low-income immigrants.  AACI has been recognized as a Bay Area Top Workplace, and the organization and its people have received more than 60 awards for high quality service.

In announcing her decision, Lew stated, “Working at AACI has been an honor of a lifetime and a highlight of my career. Along the way, there are so many clients, staff, and volunteers who have inspired and taught me.  I am profoundly grateful.”

“We are greatly appreciative of Michele’s exemplary leadership over the last decade,” said Patrick Kwok, Chairperson of AACI’s Board of Directors. “The organization is in excellent health, with world-class staff. As AACI navigates the changing landscape of health care, we are poised for continued growth to improve the health and well-being of local residents.”

The Board of Directors announced that it has appointed a transition committee to begin the search for a new leader and to work with the outstanding staff at AACI to support a seamless transition. The Board named Sarita Kohli as Acting CEO effective July 1, 2016 to oversee the continued direction and operations of the organization.

Sarita is currently the Executive Vice President for AACI’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs. Sarita has a MBA, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and over the past twelve years has held multiple leadership positions with increasing responsibility at AACI. She has served on the board of a local community based organization and been appointed by Governor Brown to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences where she is serving her second term.

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)’s mission is to improve the health, mental health, and well-being of individuals, families, and the Asian community. Founded in 1973, AACI is the largest community-based organization focused on the Asian community in Santa Clara County. Current programs include mental health and primary care health services, health education, HIV/AIDS testing and education, substance abuse treatment, problem gambling treatment, a center for survivors of torture, shelter and services for domestic violence victims, a senior center, youth programs, English classes, and community advocacy.