Noël Suzanne Harmon Selected as New APIASF President and Executive Director
WASHINGTON, DC (June 5, 2018) – The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs), announced the appointment of Noël Suzanne Harmon, Ph.D. to serve as President and Executive Director, who joined the organization effective June 1, 2018.
Harmon succeeds current APIASF President and Executive Director Neil Horikoshi who is retiring June 30, 2018. Horikoshi served in his role for 10 years and is credited with increasing APIASF’s capacity, attaining Guidestar’s Platinum Rating, and leading APIASF to become one of the most socially impactful non-profits in the S&I 100. APIASF has led the research on APIA communities not visible in the national discourse on higher education and has successfully brought together APIA stakeholders and advocates during Neil’s tenure.
Harmon’s background demonstrates a depth of experience in leadership, education, and partnerships. Harmon comes to APIASF from Say Yes to Education where she served as Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, leading the organization’s efforts to forge partnerships and raise start-up capital. Prior to Say Yes to Education, Harmon worked at the Brookings Institution as the Associate Director of Global Cities Initiative. Prior to that, she served as Chief Program Officer and National Director of the Talent Dividend at CEOs for Cities. Additionally, she also brings research experience in higher education and policy.
“We are delighted that, after an extensive nationwide search, the APIASF Board was able to identify and select Noël Harmon as APIASF’s next President and Executive Director. Noël brings to us an impressive record as a strategic leader in educational policy, philanthropy, and community engagement and empowerment. In addition, her personal story as a Korean adoptee who grew up in the Midwest is compelling and inspirational. We look forward to working with her as we continue to build partnerships with colleges, universities, foundations, political and community groups, and others to advance the lives of Asian and Pacific Islander American students and their families,” said Harsha Murthy, Chair of the APIASF Search Committee.
“We also want to thank our retiring President and Executive Director Neil Horikoshi for his 10 years of service. Under Neil’s leadership, APIASF has grown and helped thousands of students, as well as becoming one of the most respected and recognized non-profit organizations in the country. We wish Neil all the best in his retirement and future endeavors. We are confident that Noël will be able to build on Neil’s strong legacy of accomplishments and help us further realize the vision of APIASF to provide opportunities for our community,” said Kimo Kippen, Chair of the APIASF Board of Directors.
About APIASF:
Based in Washington, D.C., the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs). APIASF works to create opportunities for students to access, complete, and succeed after post-secondary education; thereby developing future leaders who will excel in their career, serve as role models in their communities, and will ultimately contribute to a more vibrant America. Since 2003, APIASF has distributed over $110 million in scholarships to APIA students. APIASF manages three scholarship programs: the APIASF General Scholarship, the APIASF Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Scholarship, and the Gates Millennium Scholars/Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
