Governor Appoints Jin Lee to the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees

Albany Park Community Center Director of Business and Planning Jin Lee was recently appointed to the Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees by Governor Rod Blagojevich. He will serve a four-year term. Northeastern Illinois University is a fully accredited public university serving over 12,00 students in the Stat of Illinois.

Jin Lee has come a long way since he first immigrated to the United States from South Korea with his family. At the age of fourteen, he arrived in this country, not speaking a word of English. Today, he is the Director of Business Planning and Development at the Albany Park Community Center , as well as a well-respected and well-regarded figure in the Asian American community.

He is responsible for working closely with the Albany Park business district in matters that concern marketing campaigns, promotional activities, technical assistance to local merchants, and crime and safety issues. In addition, Lee works directly with community organizations, businesses, schools and public officials to maintain community stability and promote economic development. Largely as the result of Mr. Lee's hard work and advocacy, the Albany Park business district remains one of the most vibrant in the city of Chicago .

Prior to his work in Albany Park , Lee was the Executive Director of the Chicago Korean American Chamber of Commerce where he worked with various Korean business leaders to establish and coordinate a viable network for commerce and industry in the Chicago-land area.

Mr. Lee is the Asian American Advisory Council for the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois State Treasurer, the Illinois Council of Minority Business Organization. He is a member of the Village of Skokie 's Immigrant Advisory Task Force, a member of the Illinois Council and a committee member of the Skokie Festival of Cultures and the Asian – American Festival. In all of these organizations he plays an active and pivotal role in promoting the benefit and the welfare for immigrant communities.

Lee's hard work on behalf of the community has been recognized and honored by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Republic of Korea and Mayor Richard M. Daley's office. Awarded a McCormick Tribune Foundation Scholarship for Loyola University Chicago's Leadership Certificate Program. He served as goodwill ambassador for “Visit Korea Year 2001” and served as Vice President of the Korean-American Association of Chicago. Mr. Lee has received numerous awards for his accomplishments for the cause of immigrant communities and has made numerous public appearances.

Jin Lee recognizes the importance of continued dedication to promoting cultural diversity, peace and local harmony within the Chicago community, and his support for immigrant community and grass roots initiatives.