Farewell From Executive Director Kent Lee
Dear Pac Arts Family,
After serving as our Executive Director of Pacific Arts Movement for the last five-and-a-half years, I wanted to share with you some significant news — that I will be departing from my role later this summer in preparation for the final months of campaigning for the District 6 seat on the San Diego City Council.
Looking back, it has been such an honor for me to serve as Executive Director since 2016, especially in working alongside our deeply dedicated staff, volunteers, interns, and Board of Directors as we continually seek to inspire, entertain, and support a more compassionate society. From celebrating the San Diego Asian Film Festival’s 20th anniversary in 2019… to our growing impact on San Diego’s Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander culinary scene… to launching and supporting the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition in the midst of anti-Asian hate during COVID-19… together, we have accomplished so much over the last few years — and we did so as a resilient community in the face of many ongoing challenges.
In fact, the many impacts of COVID-19 these last two years have truly reminded us just how important Pac Arts is to uplifting our community — not only in showcasing AAPI voices, but through the magic of connecting communities through film and by celebrating the many intersections that bind us together. What started as a volunteer movement founded by Lee Ann Kim continues to be a beacon of light and an indelible force of positive social change for the future. I’m grateful to have been able to serve all of you along this journey!
As many of you know, last year I launched my campaign for San Diego City Council at the urging of community members and especially in recognizing the importance of having AAPI voices represented at City Hall. As the campaign continues to grow, I believe that this is the right time for Pac Arts to begin preparing for a new Executive Director to take the helm. I am excited to be working with the board and staff to facilitate a smooth transition this summer as we embark on this next chapter. As additional details become available, we’ll be sure to share those with our greater Pac Arts family.
Looking ahead, I will always deeply cherish my time at Pac Arts and look fondly upon the many memories we’ve created, friendships developed, and stories told — whether they were with our filmmakers, our audiences, or even through ourselves. I look forward to continuing my personal support for Pac Arts as a member, as part of the audience, and in any other capacity I can in the years ahead.
Ultimately, I share my thanks to all of you for the tremendous support (past, present, and future) which makes Pac Arts and our work possible. I’m excited to see many of you at the upcoming SDAFF (Nov. 3-12) and as a fellow audience member in the years ahead!
With gratitude,
Kent
