As we launch into our 80th year, we are pleased to share an important leadership update.
Dear JASC Family,
We are thrilled to share a significant milestone in the journey of the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC). After a comprehensive search, we are proud to announce that Hamilton Chang has officially joined us as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Hamilton Chang is a global executive, entrepreneur, and civic leader whose career spans finance, international business development, cultural institutions, and community advocacy. Over three decades, he has built and led organizations across the United States and Asia, earning a reputation for uniting strategic vision with operational excellence. His work blends high-level finance discipline with a deep commitment to cultural preservation, human resilience, and community empowerment.
Hamilton has been a senior executive at firms including First Chicago, Bank of America, and Oppenheimer, where he built high‑performing teams, launched new business units, and guided complex partnerships across global markets. His entrepreneurial ventures, from sports technology to media and innovative repurposing of retail mall real estate, reflect his ability to translate bold ideas into sustainable institutions.
A passionate advocate for the arts and cultural storytelling, Hamilton has championed projects such as Choral Singing in America, a documentary on the vibrancy and powerful impact of choirs in our society, and the Shanghai Sonatas, a Broadway concert which tells the story of Jewish musicians who fled to China to escape the Holocaust. His philanthropic and civic leadership includes service on various boards for The University of Michigan, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and public service, having both been elected to public office and appointed by the governor to a Statewide Commission where he championed community‑driven policy and public engagement.
Hamilton comes from a resilient family who fled political persecution and brings a profound personal commitment to the mission of the Japanese American Service Committee. He is dedicated to serving the local community and honoring the legacy of Japanese American incarceration during World War II by uplifting stories of resilience, dignity, and cultural strength. His vision for a world‑class Legacy Center integrates historical preservation, contemporary education, and global dialogue to ensure that this chapter of American history informs future generations.
Today, we warmly welcome Hamilton to the JASC family. We look forward to the vital role he will play in strengthening our community ties and expanding our impact here in Chicago.
We also want to extend our deepest thanks to Jeffrey Uchida, JASC Board Vice President, who has served as our interim CEO for the past six months. Jeff’s dedicated leadership will ensure that there will be a seamless transition and our forward momentum will continue.
Under Jeff’s guidance, JASC achieved remarkable success, including:
- Hosting the historic Ireicho Book of Names in November 2025
- Organizing our most successful Holiday Delight to date
- Launching our 80th Anniversary Year with a record-breaking Cranes and Cocktails fundraiser.
As JASC enters our milestone 80th year, we are reminded that our strength lies in our ability to evolve while remaining rooted in our core values. With Hamilton at the helm, we are poised to enhance our programs, support our seniors, and engage the next generation of our community.
Thank you all for your continued support and dedication. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we look forward to the many milestones yet to come as this new chapter of JASC unfolds.
