Meet KAC Oregon – KAC Oregon

This is your 2025 KAC Oregon Board Members. Beyond the board there are many opportunities to join us from a volunteering perspective. Just reach out by emailing us at oregon@kacnational.org

Brian Choe

President

I was born in Portland but was later raised in Beaverton for most of my life. I attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where I graduated with a degree in Economics. Currently I serve as a Senior Technology Consultant supporting colleges and universities implementing CRM software for their admission, financial aid, and on campus processes. I now live in SE Portland with my two adorable cats Hama and Toki.

You can find me dancing Bachata around Portland, playing pickleball, cooking, and rooting for the Blazers.

Hannah Kang

Social Chair, Comms

I was born and raised in Eugene and made my way up to Portland after attending school at the University of Oregon where I studied PR and Communications.

I am currently my own boss at Lemonade PDX, providing strategic consulting, management and execution across PR, social media, influencers, digital ads and events.

When I’m not working, my two girls keep me busy and I’m usually out eating and drinking all the things. You can also find me on Instagram at @JeongPDX.

Jenny Lee Berry

Secretary

I’m a second-generation, Korean American, born in Portland and raised in Beaverton. While at OSU, I was involved with the Asian Pacific American Student Union (APASU) and the Asian Cultural Center.

In the early 2000’s, I was part of the creation of the Korean American Citizens League. At that time, we created the first Korean-English voter’s pamphlet in Oregon and provided voter education and voter registration drives. Currently, I work at Oregon Health and Science University as the community relations manager. My husband, Wayne, and I are proud parents to our four children – three sons and a daughter. You’ll find us at our kids’ sporting events and activities, spending time with extended family or exploring new places.

Stephen Bates

Treasurer

I was born in Portland and raised in Oregon City. I moved to the east coast to attend Stevens Institute of Technology, where I studied Computer Engineering.

After graduating, I moved back and have lived in or around Portland ever since. I’ve occupied a number of IT roles and currently work at an education technology company. I enjoy traveling around the world, finding new restaurants and bars, playing board games with friends and swimming.

Lisa Kim

Board Member

I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois but have been living on the west coast for over a decade. Currently, I’m working as a program manager in higher education overseeing workforce development projects. My career in social justice has taken me as far as Phnom Penh, Cambodia to Immokalee, Florida — working on issues such as economic development and addressing gender-based violence.

In my free time, I love to hike, camp, and just be out in nature. I also love to binge-watch Korean dramas, eat good food, and catch a live show.

Thomas Cho

Board Member

I am relatively new to Portland and bring experience from several other Portland institutions including the Portland Japanese Garden and the Maurice Lucas Foundation. While I love building community, my vices and passions – golf, food and travel aren’t free. My career in marketing and business strategy and has spanned significant roles at global companies including Apple, Beats by Dre, Yamaha Music and others. My expertise in brand strategy, building automations, work across influencer/cultural events, development of community, and aptitude for business strategy has enabled me to drive meaningful growth across CPG, tech, entertainment, music and other Gen-Z brands.

Melissa Hong

Board Member

I am the Co-Executive Director of the FLIP Museum, a nonprofit multicultural children’s museum in the Portland Metro Area. With over a decade of experience in education and community building, I am a mission-driven leader dedicated to serving the most vulnerable population including children and seniors.

I thrive on creating new initiatives and programs, most notably my work at FIRST 5, where I led efforts to expand access to high-quality early education for young children. Through systems change and community partnerships, I helped grow the program into a $5 million annual budget over five years. My strengths include grant writing, project management, and strategic planning.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree in Sociology and Education from Columbia University, Teacher’s College in New York City.