Abraham Kim, Ph.D. Executive Director
Abraham Kim, Ph.D., is the Executive Director at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). He comes to CKA with 20 years of experience in foreign policy analyses, leadership development, and innovation consulting. Previously, Dr. Kim served as Executive Director at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center located on the campus of the University of Montana, where he oversaw 50 staff, faculty and affiliates. During Dr. Kim’s tenure, the Center became one of the foremost U.S.-Asia policy and leadership development institutes in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies region.
Linda Butcher Managing Director
Linda Butcher is the Managing Director at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). She has spent the majority of her career in the nonprofit and public affairs industries, gaining experience in areas that include: external relations, strategic planning, program & project management, operations, and communications. A proactive and vision-driven team player who loves to collaborate, Linda thrives on developing engaging and creative solutions to further the mission of establishments.
Angela Cho Membership & Program Manager
Angela Cho is the Membership and Program Manager at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA) where she works with the Director of Operations & Programming and the Community Engagement Manager to oversee the organization’s leadership development programs and its partnerships with Korean American and allied organizations around the country.
Lakeya Simmons Versatile Assistant
Lakeya Simmons is a dedicated professional known for her passion for community engagement and organizational excellence. Currently serving as the Versatile Assistant at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA), Lakeya brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.
Sameen Piracha Development Advisor
Sameen Piracha is the Development Advisor at the Council of Korean Americans (CKA). A highly accomplished professional renowned for her expertise in philanthropy and fundraising, she excels at building meaningful relationships and driving impactful change. Her profound dedication to making a positive impact in the nonprofit sector continues to inspire those around her and drive transformative change within communities.
Navdeep Singh Communication Advisor
Navdeep Singh is the principal of Novalux Solutions, an impact consulting firm. He has over fifteen years of leadership in policy, campaign strategy, and organization building in civil rights organizations.
He worked at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). He chaired the Civil Rights Committee of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). He was recognized as one of the Pennsylvania Legal Intelligencer’s Lawyers on the Fast Track and NAPABA’s Best Under 40. He graduated from the George Washington University Law School and the University of Virginia
Michael Villalas Digital Communication Consultant
Michael Villalas is a videographer with 7 years of experience crafting impactful visual stories that celebrate and amplify the narratives of the Asian American community. Michael’s diverse portfolio encompasses corporate videos, live events, real estate, and product videos, but his true passion lies in capturing the richness of cultural experiences and inspiring audiences to embrace diversity. Through his lens, Michael has told stories that shed light on underrepresented voices, championed representation, and ignited meaningful conversations about identity, resilience, and inclusion.
Timothy Kim Strategic Advisor
Timothy HyoJun Kim has over a decade of experience in social impact. As the executive director for the Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco, he renewed grantmaking strategies, developed AANHPI leadership programs, and strengthened partnerships. He directed programs for an international nonprofit serving 400,000 recipients and 1,500 partners in 30+ countries. He also co-chaired the Berkeley Cultural Trust, leading 20+ arts organizations, and served on the council for the Plymouth Church of Jazz and Justice. His values include social change through partnerships, balancing urgency with sustainability, and building meaningful relationships.
Gimga Design Group
Design, Communications, & Event Production Advisor
As a full-service design, communications, and marketing firm operating since 1991, Gimga Design Group specializes in: events management and design, media relations, print + digital layout, inbound/outbound marketing, website design and programming, branding, and multimedia. Since 2019, Gimga has collaborated closely with CKA to support a wide range of requirements for publication design, events, branding, strategic planning, social media marketing, website development, content, and maintenance.