August 18, 1999
Mayor Williams Names Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs Director
Chen To Advocate for Rights and Equal Access for Growing Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Washington, D.C. – Mayor Anthony A. Williams today named Mr. G. Greg Chen as Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. In this position, Mr. Chen will advocate for the rights and interests of Asian Americans; advise the Mayor on important issues concerning the community; work in collaboration with various government agencies and community organizations to improve access of the Asian community to government services; and promote racial harmony in our city.
"Mr. Chen has been doing an outstanding job as Interim Director, and I've asked him to stay on full time," said Mayor Williams. "Mr. Chen will be an integral player as we work to promote diversity and understanding in our city, and to address the specific needs and concerns of the growing Asian and Pacific Islander community."
Born and raised in Jiangsu, China, Chen has served as the Interim Director for the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs under Mayor Williams since February, 1999.
Mr. Chen also served as the Mayor's Asian liaison in the previous administration. Prior to that, he worked as the Asian Pacific American Initiative (APAI) Coordinator with the D.C. Community Prevention Partnership, a leading non-profit agency in the District on violence and substance abuse prevention. He helped develop the APAI program into a leading advocate and resource for Asian youth and their families, Asian-owned businesses, and community residents. He founded the quarterly APAI newsletters, which brought positive insights to the Asian community.
Mr. Chen's passion to improve the social and economic status of the immigrant population in the District has enabled him to successfully resolve issues concerning immigrant youth, families and small businesses. He organized the District's first Asian youth forum to address the needs of the neglected immigrant students in DC public schools; initiated essay contests to celebrate diversity among cross-cultural youth; and facilitated workshops and seminars for the emerging immigrant families and businesses. He has also identified resources and developed partnerships for the benefit of the Asian community.
Mr. Chen said, "I want to thank the Mayor and community members for their trust and support. I am humbled by this honor to represent and advocate for the growing Asian Pacific American communities. I love the District and believe this can be the best city for all Americans to live and work. I ask my fellow community members to work with me to ensure the best services and representation for all of us."
Mr. Chen received his B.A. degree in English from Yangzhou Teacher's College, and an MBA with a concentration on economic development from Eastern College. Mr. Chen lives with his wife Luna and their teenage son, Peter in Ward 6.
