MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Michael Lee will lead the museum as it enters a new era in the institution’s history

[New York, NY] March 5, 2024 – The Museum of Chinese in America Board of Trustees announced today that Michael E. Lee has been named as the institution’s next President, effective April 1. Lee comes to the Museum after serving as the Managing Director, Corporate Development, for New York Institute of Finance since 2018.

Lee will replace Nina Curley, who has served as interim Executive Director of the Museum since April of 2023.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Michael Lee to the Museum,” said Eric Lee, Board Co-Chair. “Michael’s connection to the community, diverse background and long-term vision make him the perfect individual to lead this institution going forward as it embarks on a new chapter in its journey.”

Lee will be taking the helm of the Museum at a crucial time in its history. The Museum will continue to tell the story of the Chinese experience in the United States through exhibitions, programming and collections. In addition, with the recent purchase of its home at 215 Centre St., the Museum can ensure a larger, permanent space to expand on its mission in its original birthplace and community.

“The Museum of Chinese in America is one of the true gems of New York,” said Lee. “I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to lead this important institution at a time when its mission and purpose is as important as ever before. Telling the stories, promoting the culture and celebrating the accomplishments of this great Chinese community through thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging programming is something I cannot wait to be a part of. As a third-generation Chinese American from New York, being entrusted with the opportunity to develop a museum just a few blocks away from where my grandparents raised my father and cared for me in my early years is a tremendous honor. I eagerly anticipate transforming it into a space that my children and future generations will cherish visiting.”

Lee comes to the Museum after serving six years as the Managing Director of Corporate Development at the New York Institute of Finance, a century-old educational institution that trains professionals from over 120 different countries in finance. He was responsible for all the operations in the U.S. office including sales, marketing, customer success, and finances. Prior to working for the New York Institute of Finance, Lee served as the Executive Director of Apex for Youth, a New York City nonprofit organization that provides mentoring, education and after school programs to underserved Asian youth. During his seven years of leadership, Apex grew from a $400,000 budget serving 150 students to a $3.2 million organization working with over 1,000 students a year.

“Michael Lee joining the Museum of Chinese in America marks an exciting milestone for the Museum of Chinese in America,” said Stephen Limpe, Board Co-Chair. “We are confident that under Mike‘s guidance and leadership, the Museum will continue to grow and flourish as we build our new permanent home at 215 Centre Street to celebrate the journeys, trials, triumphs and contributions of Chinese people in America.”

A native New Yorker with family roots in Chinatown, Michael previously served as the Director of Development at the Committee of 100, an organization of Chinese American leaders who address issues concerning Asian Americans and U.S.-China Relations. Michael received an M.S. in Fundraising and Philanthropy from New York University and a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in East Asian Studies. He serves on the board of directors of the Chinese American Planning Council (CPC), Central Queens Academy Charter School, and the Red Hook Initiative. He teaches martial arts and lion dance at Norman Chin’s Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu School, teaches a business course at Basis Independent Brooklyn, co-founded Meat Asia, Inc., and is president of the 529 Court Street Condo Board. Michael grew up in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, where he now lives with his wife Grace and three children—Connor, Maxwell and Annisa.