It is with deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility that I reflect on my appointment as Chair-Elect of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. To be entrusted with this role by a community I value and respect so deeply is both humbling and energizing.
Our Chamber has long stood as a dynamic bridge connecting cultures, businesses, and opportunities across Central Texas and beyond. I am grateful not only to the Board for their confidence, but to each of you whose engagement and support continue to shape the strength and relevance of our community and organization.
Naoko Cole, Lynn Yuan, Wan Kim, David Teo, and Minh Tran at the 2025 GAACC Advisory Board Mixer.
I would especially like to extend my sincere thanks to our current GAACC Board Chair Minh Tran, for his leadership, guidance, and mentorship. His steady hand and thoughtful approach to leadership have set a high standard, and I am personally grateful for the time and wisdom he has shared with me as I prepare to step into the Chairman role in 2027.
When Minh asked me to take on the role as Advisory Board Chair in 2024 I was delighted by the opportunity to engage our advisors and learn more about these influential supporters in the community – and I have been pleased to see that group of stakeholders grow over time – so I am very pleased to announce here the appointment of four new outstanding leaders to our Advisory Board: Alison Alter (previously Austin District 10 Council Member), AJ Bingham, CEO of The Bingham Group, Dori Kelley, a true economic development powerhouse based in Bastrop County and longtime friend of the Chamber, and Vineet Rohatgi, Senior Director of Engineering at Indeed.com.
All four of these leaders bring exceptional experience, perspective, and commitment to our members and our mission, and I am excited for the impact they will have as we continue to grow.
Looking forward, I am incredibly energized about what lies ahead under the continued leadership of our board and our CEO, Mark Duval. Together, we are not only strengthening our existing programs but also expanding into new and meaningful areas of impact. Initiatives such as the AI for Small Business working group, the Access Asia project, and the Austin Creator Collective all represent the Chamber’s commitment to staying forward-looking, equipping our members with the tools, connections, and platforms needed to thrive in an evolving global and local economy.
As 2027 Chair-Elect, my focus will be on building upon our momentum, ensuring that we deepen our engagement across industries, elevate the voices of our diverse membership, and continue to position the Chamber as a leading force for business, culture, and community in Austin and beyond.
Thank you for the trust you place in this organization and in its leadership. I look forward to working alongside all of you in the years ahead.
With appreciation,
David Teo
GAACC Chair-Elect
GAACC Advisory Board Chair