CAAL Announces New Executive Leadership
For Immediate Release
February 9, 2022
Contact
Julia Gay ⎢julia@caalmn.org ⎢(216) 744-4956
SAINT PAUL, MN – Today the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) announced changes to its executive leadership.
After nearly a decade, Bo Thao-Urabe, CAAL’s founder and Executive and Network Director, has decided the time is right to empower a new leader to take CAAL into its next chapter. Bo has transitioned into a senior advisor role and CAAL’s Board of Directors appointed ThaoMee Xiong, currently CAAL’s Deputy Director, as the new Executive and Network Director.
“ThaoMee has been a part of CAAL for many years now as one of our most ardent supporters and active leaders,” said Thao-Urabe. “I was thrilled when she joined our team last year, and now I’m excited that she will continue at the helm of this important organization.”
Xiong is a respected international, state, and local policy expert and longtime community advocate. She was one of the first Hmong American lobbyists in Minnesota and has a strong record of leading innovative and historic legislative campaigns. She is also the co-founder and co-chair of the Maiv Political Action Committee (PAC), has served on the Vue Family of Minnesota Board of Directors, and mentors first-generation college students from Saint Cloud University and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Xiong has been a part of CAAL’s success since its founding. She has been a member of the CAAL network as a leader, volunteer, and consultant. She was an instrumental player in getting the 2017 Nonprofit Infrastructure Program passed. Since joining CAAL, Xiong has strategically led the team to develop policy and community building efforts that continue CAAL’s community-centered approach.
“ThaoMee brings a breadth of experience, dynamic energy, and impressive depth of policy knowledge to the Executive and Network Director role,” said Bilal Alkatout, CAAL board chair. “I am thrilled to see ThaoMee’s leadership in action as CAAL moves into this exciting new phase. I am also honored at the thoughtful succession planning and time Bo has given CAAL Board of Directors and staff which instills great confidence in our trajectory.”
Over the next few months, Xiong will focus her efforts deepening CAAL’s impact, amplifying community voices and engaging more leaders from across the state of Minnesota.
“I’m grateful for Bo’s vision and leadership which grew CAAL from an idea into a robust, impactful and highly respected organization. Our network is 5,000 strong and I’m honored for the opportunity to work with our phenomenal staff, network and partners to keep working together towards equity, justice, and prosperity.” Xiong said.
Under Bo’s leadership, CAAL passed important and historic policies, created impactful leadership programs for social justice, deepened the narrative of Asian Minnesotans and became an influential and anchor organization for decision makers and community.
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About Coalition of Asian American Leaders
The Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) envisions a State where all Minnesotans, regardless of background, are actively engaged and can achieve prosperity. Our mission is to harness our collective power to improve community lives by connecting, learning, and acting together. To learn more, please visit www.caalmn.org.