Jenifer Chao will take over as executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) on Nov. 1, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Oct. 30.

The Olympia-based position puts Chao at the helm of a state agency headquartered in Thurston County. CAPAA works to improve the well-being of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander residents across Washington. The commission includes an advisory board of 12 commissioners, also appointed by the governor.

Chao, who immigrated from Mien, brings more than 25 years of experience in public policy, according to the governor's announcement.

She most recently worked with the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition Advocating Together for Health (APICAT), a grassroots organization.

Ferguson said Chao's commitment to the community and her advocacy experience would be valuable additions to the commission. CAPAA Chair Kendall Kosai said the commission welcomed Chao as the agency enters what Kosai described as a period of planning and growth.

Before joining APICAT, Chao held leadership roles at the City of Seattle, including director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. The Seattle City Council voted 8-0 on Dec. 12, 2023, to confirm her to that post, according to the city's Front Porch blog. A separate Front Porch post noted she served as neighborhoods director for about three years before departing.

Chao began her public service career at Asian Counseling & Referral Service and Neighborhood House, where she worked with immigrant, refugee and historically underserved communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Washington.

Nam Nguyen, a former CAPAA commissioner, has served as interim executive director since 2024. He took over for former executive director Toshiko Grace Hasegawa. Ferguson thanked Nguyen for his service during the transition.

CAPAA traces its origins to a 1972 executive order by Gov. Dan Evans. The Legislature formally established the commission two years later and expanded its name in 1995 to include Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians.

Chao starts the Thurston County position Nov. 1. The salary range listed on the CAPAA website is $83,724 to $145,000 annually.