For Immediate Release
 
Margaret Iwanaga Penrose to Retire as Union of Pan Asian Communities CEO
Leadership Transition Underway
San Diego, Calif. – January 3, 2025 – Margaret Iwanaga Penrose’s retirement from Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) marks the culmination of a career dedicated to fostering hope, building trust, and empowering communities. As she transitions out of her role, she leaves behind a thriving organization poised to carry her vision into the future.
 
Penrose’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming UPAC into a beacon of support for San Diego County’s Asian, Pacific Islander, and other ethnic communities. Through her vision and dedication, the organization grew from $2.9 million to $18 million and transitioned from an Asian/Pacific Islander-serving organization to a multicultural agency serving all diverse and underserved communities in San Diego. She has guided UPAC to achieve milestones that have profoundly impacted countless lives.
 
“After 35 incredible years with UPAC, the time has come for me to retire. Since 1993, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as UPAC’s President & CEO. This journey has been one of purpose, driven by a shared mission and my unwavering belief in the work we do together,” announced Penrose, reflecting on her remarkable tenure at the helm of the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC).
 
Over the past three decades, Penrose has championed initiatives aimed at improving well-being, fostering education, and promoting self-sufficiency within San Diego’s most vulnerable populations. Her ability to balance strategic vision with compassionate leadership has created a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
 
As UPAC celebrates Penrose’s incredible legacy, the organization also announces the launch of a comprehensive search for its next President & CEO. To lead this pivotal effort, the UPAC Board of Directors has partnered with Blair Search Partners, a leading executive search firm with deep expertise in serving nonprofits and public agencies, and guiding pivotal leadership transitions.
 
“At UPAC, we rely on Blair Search Partners to connect us with exceptional leaders who align with our mission and values. Their personalized approach ensures the right fit for every critical transition,” shared Daisy Hom, Board Chair.
 
“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Margaret on her retirement and to express our deepest gratitude to her for the decades of exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication serving as UPAC President and CEO,” said Hom. “Her legacy, which includes countless achievements, have not only transformed UPAC as an organization but inspired everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside her over the years.   Her contributions will continue to guide and shape our future for years to come. We wish Margaret joy, fulfillment, and adventure as she embarks on the next chapter.”
 
“Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey and for allowing me to lead alongside you,” Penrose remarked. “I am filled with gratitude and hope, knowing that UPAC’s legacy and future are in such caring and capable hands.”
 
UPAC will provide updates on the search process in the coming months.
 
About the Union of Pan Asian Communities
The Union of Pan Asian Communities provides a comprehensive array of health and human services programming dedicated to improving the overall well-being of San Diego’s underserved communities. The organization’s multicultural and multilingual staff speak more than 30 languages and dialects and provide services in more than 20 of these languages annually. With a focus on mental health, addiction treatment and recovery, housing counseling, community engagement and business development, and cultural competency education, our goal is to strengthen underserved communities and assist their residents in achieving self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.upacsd.org. 
 
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Blair Search Partners