NEW YORK CITY: The Consortium of Asian American Theatres and Artists (CAATA) has named Soriya K. Chum as the organization’s first executive director. Chum will assume the position this month.

“This is a milestone for CAATA and our field,” said outgoing board president Victor Malana Maog in a statement. “With Soriya K. Chum’s holistic and strategic approach and experience to community building, organizing, and artmaking, he was the unanimous choice for this inaugural role. Under Soriya’s leadership in partnership with the board of directors, our family of artists, organizations, and allies will be better poised to create a network of increased support and resources, radical inclusivity and innovation, social justice, and a forever home.”

Chum comes to CAATA with nine years of programs management, fundraising, and community engagement experience in the arts and culture sector. Currently he manages public programs for the flagship branch of the New York Public Library in Bryant Park. There he plans and develops a robust season of more than 100 talks, readings, and symposia each year. Previously he served as the manager of public programs with the Asian American Arts Alliance, the manager of Humanities and Studio Programs with Theatre for a New Audience, and was a curatorial team member with the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center. Chum is a graduate of Columbia University.

“This is an exciting moment,” said Chum in a statement. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead CAATA in its efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and carry out its vision. I look forward to working collaboratively with the board of directors and CAATA’s members to discover the best pathways to help amplify the voices of the Asian American theatre community.”