Board of Directors

meet the board

Soong-Chan Rah, Board Chair

Rev. Dr. Soong-Chan Rah is Robert B. Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of The Next Evangelicalism (IVP Books, 2009); Many Colors (Moody, 2010); Prophetic Lament (IVP Books, 2015); co-author of Forgive Us (Zondervan, 2014); Return to Justice (Brazos, 2016); and Unsettling Truths (IVP Books, 2019). Soong-Chan received his B.A. from Columbia University; his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; his Th.M. from Harvard University; his D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and his Th.D. from Duke University.

Katharine Hsiao, Board Treasurer

Katharine Hsiao is a retired public interest attorney. whose career ministry was fighting for the rights of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in the areas of health care coverage, language access, income security and elder rights. She first practiced law at a local non-profit firm, and later joined Justice in Aging (formerly National Senior Citizens Law Center), where she worked on national policies including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Katharine co-wrote "Baby Boomers Guide to Nursing Home Care." After retiring, Katharine seeks to serve God as a leader of the Alliance of Asian American Baptist Churches and a volunteer for AACC. She holds an M.Div. from Berkeley School of Theology, a J.D. from UC Berkeley and a B.A from Yale University.

Russell Jeung, Board Secretary

Professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, Dr. Russell Jeung is an author of books and articles on race and religion. He's written Family Sacrifices: The Worldviews and Ethics of Chinese Americans (2019); Mountain Movers: Student Activism and the Emergence of  Asian American Studies (2019); and At Home in Exile: Finding Jesus Among My Ancestors and Refugee Neighbors (2016). In March 2020, Dr. Jeung co-founded Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition that was awarded the 2021 Webby Award for "Social Movement of the Year." Dr. Jeung was named as one of the TIME 100 Most Influential Persons in 2021.

Raymond Chang, Board Member and President of AACC

Pastor Raymond Chang is the president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, a pastor, and writer. He regularly preaches God’s Word and speaks throughout the country on issues pertaining to Christianity and culture, race and faith. He currently lives in Chicagoland, serving as an Executive for the TENx10 Collaboration (an initiative of Fuller Seminary), which is a collaborative movement that is geared towards reaching 10 million young people over 10 years with the gospel). Prior to his role at Fuller, Raymond served for 7+ years as the Associate Chaplain for Discipleship at Wheaton College. He is co-author of Future Focused Church, a contributor to several books and articles, and currently pursuing his PhD on the intersection of Spirituality and Campus/Organizational Racial Climates.

to our AACC Community:

Notes from the Board to provide a snapshot into AACC’s organizational development

  • Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC)

    Statement of BOARD Directive

    Establishment of a Transitional Body for Organizational Health and Strength

    Adopted by the Board of Directors — Effective October 1, 2026

    The Board of Directors of Asian American Christian Collaborative (“AACC” or the “Organization”) hired an organizational consultant to help advise the best course of action for the future of AACC, the findings of which (the “Review”) were presented to the Board on August 25, 2026;

    The Review found substantial organizational strengths, including AACC's distinctive position as one of few organizations serving the intersection of Asian American and Christian identity, the caliber and commitment of its people, the unique role that AACC plays in the broader Christian ecosystem, the emphasis on both advocacy and formation, and the Board's own investment in a disciplined planning process;

    The Review found that AACC would benefit from a more clear and settled mission statement;

    The Review found that AACC needs to build an organizational structure and systems adequate to its operations and goals;

    The Review found that the scope of AACC's activities often exceeded its organizational capacity and resources;

    The Board has determined that a dedicated season of planning, supported by a transitional body would serve the future of the organization;

    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of AACC hereby establishes a Transitional Body, as described below, and directs that AACC undertake the process set forth in this Directive.

     1. Purpose of This Directive

    This Directive authorizes and governs a defined temporary season of organizational transition (the “Transition Period”) during which AACC will develop a focused, agreed-upon mission statement, a corresponding governance and operational structure, and policies consistent with that mission. The Transition Period is intended to enhance the structural, financial, and organizational needs identified in the Review while preserving and strengthening AACC's core identity as a network for spiritual formation and advocacy, community, and public witness at the intersection of Asian American and Christian identity.

    2. Scope of the Transition and Suspension of New Initiatives

    For the duration of the Transition Period:

    •  AACC shall suspend the initiation of any new programs, activities, or public commitments not already in progress as of October 1, 2026.

    •  To the extent necessary,  staff time shall be reallocated to support the planning process described in this Directive.

    •  AACC shall issue mark the beginning and end of this transitional season to its network, donors, and constituents on the AACC website.

    •  AACC shall continue its existing obligations, financial work, and other existing projects but limit new activities.

    3. Authority of the Transitional Body

    The Transitional Body is delegated the following authority to develop (see Transition Action Items):

    3.1 Mission and Priorities

    3.2 Organizational Structure

    3.3 New Personnel Recommendations

    4. Establishment and Composition of the Transitional Body

    The Board hereby establishes a Transitional Body vested with the authority described in Section 5 below. The Transitional Body may be composed of ten to fifteen (10-15) members, such as the suggested table (subject to change).

    Board Representatives

    4 seats, including the President

    President + 3 elected/appointed

    Staff Representatives

    2 to 3 seats

    (To be designated by role area)

    Project Directors/Volunteers

    2 to 3 seats 

    (To be designated)

    Advisory Members 

    3 seats, reflecting pastors, women, and under-represented ethnic minority constituencies

    (To be appointed by the Board)


    5. Action Items for Transition

    1. Establish a transitional structure and workstream

    2. Develop mission, structure, and culture

    3. Financial review

    4. Reporting, ratification, and resolution

    5. Other tasks to be determined as needed

    6. Resolutions

    RESOLVED, that the Transitional Body is hereby established effective October 1, 2026;

    FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board and staff hire a Transitional Director whom the Board will approve;

    FURTHER RESOLVED, that new AACC initiatives are limited for the duration of the Transition Period, and that the board and staff will reallocate their responsibilities to further support  this Directive;

    FURTHER RESOLVED, that AACC shall issue notice of this transitional season to its constituents and donors on its website;

    FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes paid planning capacity, including transition director compensation, as necessary to carry out this directive, within budgetary parameters to be approved by the Board;

    FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Directive shall remain in effect through March 31, 2027 unless earlier amended, extended, or terminated by vote of the Board. The Directive may be extended at the initiative of the new Board term which begins on May 1, 2027


  • ASIAN AMERICAN CHRISTIAN COLLABORATIVE (AACC)

    A Statement from the Board of Directors

    As We Gather for Awakening: AACC Conference 2026

    September 11, 2026

    To the AACC community,

    On September 28–30, we gather at Tapestry LA for our 2026 conference. www.aaccconference.com. Our conference theme is “Awakening.”

    Throughout the history of the church, God has graciously brought hope of renewal and revival in the world by first awakening the church. God’s biblical and historical pattern has often been lament/repentance → forgiveness/healing → restored identity → Awakening of God’s people → renewal and revival of the church → widespread lament, healing, and revival → social change and transformation (see the works of Timothy Smith, J. Edwin Orr, and Richard Lovelace).

    It is no coincidence, therefore, that we gather under the theme of “Awakening.” Our conference will walk us through the necessary lament, healing, identity formation, community formation, and mission that are essential components of ecclesial awakening. Our journey as a conference demonstrates what AACC has also navigated over the years. AACC has been reflecting on these themes that lead to an ecclesial awakening. We have been examining our past story, our present joys and pains, and our future hopes and possibilities.

    For those who have been following this ministry for many years, the AACC Board of Directors and team invites you to gather as a community for learning, connection, healing, community-building, and awakening. We also wanted you to arrive with a sense of where we have been and where we believe God is calling us.

    Earlier this year, we hired an organizational consultant to listen and review the ministry of AACC across the breadth of our community. We took this deliberate step because AACC had grown far faster than we could have ever anticipated, and we wanted to see whether our organization is built to sustain what it has been asked to hold.

    As we invite people to engage in a deeper movement, we wanted to present a clear and shared sense of AACC’s common purpose. As a start-up effort responding to the crisis of the pandemic and the scapegoating of Asian Americans through the anti-Asian hate that was documented by Stop AAPI Hate, we found that our commitments often outran our capacity. Most of our history has been reactive to social challenges and realities, and our capacities as an organization couldn’t keep up with the demands.

    The organizational review revealed how often people found AACC as a space that they could show up fully. This was the most significant theme people shared. At the same time, the review also shared the areas we needed to give more targeted attention to - especially in how we need to invest more in the organizational structures so that people who give of their time and talents could be well served. The findings revealed a structure that was never fully built, not the failure of any single individual. Our president, staff, and volunteers have carried, often quietly and at real personal cost, what a much larger organization would ordinarily spread across many hands. We are grateful beyond words for that sacrifice, and we believe the faithful response now is to build a structure equal to the calling we share.

    In response, we are opening a dedicated season of reflection and transformation, beginning this fall and continuing into next year, led by a committee drawn from across our community — board members, the president, staff, project leaders, and advisors reflecting AACC's full breadth. During this season, we will set aside new initiatives, invest in the capacity this work requires, and devote ourselves to three tasks: settling a shared mission for AACC, building the structures to carry it well, and cultivating a culture that leads to the flourishing of all as we move on mission.

    It is not a coincidence that these initiatives will come on the heels of a conference with the theme of Awakening. The journey this conference will walk — healing, then identity, then community, then mission — is the same journey we are asking AACC to walk this season. We invite you to carry this letter into those days as we seek specific ways to embody this calling together.

    We ask for your patience during a season that may look quieter from the outside, your voice as we seek broad participation in the work ahead, and your prayers, because this is, at heart, a spiritual undertaking. We believe God has been faithful in building something remarkable through this community, and we trust God to be faithful still as we build what will carry it forward. Thank you for your commitment to the cause and community, for believing in this movement, and for the grace you continue to extend to us as we lead it forward. We look forward to being awakened together in Los Angeles.

    With gratitude and hope,

    The AACC Board of Directors

  • Dear AACC Community,

    We are grateful for your continued commitment to the Asian American Christian Collaborative and for the ways you embody our shared mission across communities.

    We’ve continued to see growth in our efforts and energy - including the development of a pastoral and church engagement strategy, a refresh in our editorial and content strategy (make sure to follow along on social media and the newsletter), and a complete migration of our newsletter to a new platform! The team executed the first AACC conference and several pastors’ gatherings throughout the country and is excited about the upcoming AACC conference in LA at Tapestry LA.

    At our recent board gathering, we spent significant time reflecting on the present season of AACC and discerning steps toward strengthening our organization for the future. We want to share a brief update on several areas of focused work currently underway.

    First, we have retained a financial firm to help us establish clear accounting procedures. These steps will allow us to conduct regular internal reviews and annual audits. These steps are intended to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term financial viability.

    Second, we will work with spiritual directors to help us cultivate a healthy leadership culture and sustainable structure. 

    Third, we have initiated a strategic planning process with organizational consultants to articulate a clearer strategy for AACC’s future.

    Finally, we have launched a Women in Ministry initiative, including the formation of a task force to support Asian American women leaders through networks, gatherings, and ongoing resourcing. 

    We are committed to doing this work with care, humility, and faithfulness. Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your partnership as we continue to grow together.

    With gratitude,
    The AACC Board

  • Dear AACC Community,

    We are so thankful for your continued support of AACC. In the early stages of AACC (founded in 2021), the organization operated on a volunteer-led, staff-driven approach to governance. This structure was appropriate given the urgent priorities during the early years of AACC. As the organization has grown significantly in both size, impact, and influence, there was an increased need for a more governance model of leadership on the board level. As such, we are excited to share that the AACC Board of Directors has renewed our commitment to provide governance and oversight to the organization for its long-term health and growth.

    The Board of Directors are focused on the following during this season:

    Organizational Sustainability, Oversight, and Growth:

    The Board has been reorganized to establish more sustainable governance practices, ensure regular meetings, consistent oversight, and deepen clear organizational accountability and development.

    With the growth we’ve seen, the Board commits to providing robust fiscal oversight, including regular reviews and reports.

    We will develop and enhance clear channels of communication and systems of accountability moving toward fostering a more collegial, supportive, and sustainable environment of a Christ-centered community. 

    Strategic Planning:

    The Board will take a more active role in shaping AACC's priorities to continue to reflect the collective vision of the organization and its stakeholders.

    We look forward to keeping our community updated with our growth and progress. We believe AACC continues to be strengthened and enabled to more effectively advance its mission and as a movement. Thank you again for your support. We value your partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to serve the Asian American Christian community.

    Sincerely,

    The AACC Board