Krystal Ka‘ai appointed Member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
October 9, 2024 Washington, D.C. — The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders announced that President Biden has selected Helen Beaudreau as the new Executive Director of the Initiative and the Commission. Beaudreau, a seasoned public servant with nearly 20 years of experience in the federal government, is the first Korean American to hold this role.
“Helen Beaudreau has spent her career working to advance equity for underserved communities. She brings that expertise and commitment to her new role, and to the challenges that communities are facing,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “WHIAANHPI has important work to do — addressing anti-Asian bias, expanding language access, promoting equitable mental health support, and advancing climate and environmental justice. This is a critical time, and I look forward to seeing the impact Helen will have.”
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai emphasized Beaudreau’s unique qualifications. “Helen embodies President Biden’s vision for the White House Initiative — an unwavering commitment to lift up our community and our people. As a first-generation American, Helen not only brings a wealth of experience but also deep empathy for the most vulnerable. I’m excited to partner with her as we continue this important work.”
Beaudreau has held various positions within the Biden-Harris Administration, including at the White House National Security Council and the Peace Corps. She also served in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she advanced key priorities related to equity, justice, and human rights, benefiting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities. Beaudreau’s international experience includes serving twice as a Peace Corps Volunteer, in Georgia and the Philippines. She succeeds Krystal Ka‘ai, who led WHIAANHPI since May 2021 as the first Native Hawaiian Executive Director.
Ka‘ai, who stepped down as Executive Director on October 5, 2024, has been appointed as a Commissioner on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Reflecting on her service, Secretary Becerra expressed gratitude for Ka‘ai’s leadership, saying, “Krystal has been indispensable in tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing these communities. We are grateful for her expertise and look forward to her continued contributions as a Commissioner.”
Katherine Tai also commended Ka‘ai’s leadership through a challenging period, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and combating rising hate and violence against AA and NHPI communities. “Krystal has been at the forefront, tirelessly working to uplift our communities. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I am confident she will continue to make us proud in her new role.”
President Biden and Vice President Harris remain committed to celebrating the diversity and contributions of AA and NHPI communities. From the start of the administration, they have leveraged the full force of the federal government to advance equity and ensure brighter futures for all Americans.
