By Staff
Northwest Asian Weekly
Susan Oki
The Board of Directors of Nikkei Concerns (NC), a nonprofit elder care organization primarily serving the Japanese community, announced on Wednesday, Nov. 18, that Susan Oki has resigned from her position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She will stay until the end of November.
Oki joined NC in 2006. In her three-year tenure, Oki has improved NC in many ways. She stabilized NC’s financial condition by increasing revenues by $1.3 million and donations by more than 30 percent. Accounts receivables have decreased more than 60 percent, improving cash flow by $1 million.
Kevin Nagai, board president, said, “Susan has done much to improve the operations and financial viability of Nikkei Concerns. We thank her for her hard work and compassion for our elders. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Oki stated, “The board and I were not on the same page in terms of expectations. However, I would like to thank the board for providing me with this opportunity to make a difference in our community and to the staff, volunteers, and donors who have supported us. It has been a wonderful and fulfilling experience for me personally. I wish Nikkei Concerns the very best as it approaches its 35th anniversary.”
Working at NC has not always been smooth sailing for Oki. Earlier this year on June 25, union workers at SK voted regarding a labor contract, accepting management’s offer, 60 to 4. This vote came at the end of six long months of negotiations and discussions between management and the workers.
Oki was formerly president and CEO of Innovation Cookies, Inc., executive director of the Japanese American Chamber of Commerce, and executive director of the Japan–America Society.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale in Japanese Studies and her Masters in Business Administration from Temple University.
Current Chief Operating Officer Skip McDonald, Ph.D., has been appointed as interim CEO by the board of directors. ♦