Paul Pass to succeed the retiring Anna McFarland

 
DALLAS (Dec 12, 2018)  The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) announced today it will welcome Paul Pass as the new executive director effective Jan. 7. Pass will succeed Anna McFarland, who is retiring after 22 years spent in the role.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the exceptional leadership shown by Anna,” said JASDFW President Jackson Chen. “She has positioned the organization for growth, ensured our stability and increased our influence over the past two decades. As we move into a new year and a new chapter for us, we look forward to the seasoned guidance and experience Paul will bring to the role.”

Pass joins JASDFW from the Asia Society Texas Center, where he served as senior manager of business and policy in his most recent role with the organization. Among his accomplishments: He served as a catalyst for educating Americans about Asian business, education, public policy, arts and culture through over 900 events that reached roughly 74,000 Houston residents throughout his seven years with the organization. While there, Pass also held additional management roles spanning community outreach, education and business policy.

Before his time at the Asia Society Texas Center, Pass worked as an education outreach programs officer for the World Affairs Council of Houston. His background includes experience in business, cultural programs, education, foreign policy, languages, performing arts and visual arts—a variety that will help advance JASDFW’s mission to further mutual understanding and ongoing engagement between Japanese and Americans.

“I truly believe that Japan is a dynamic society with many facets for North Texans to discover,” Pass said. “There is also a unique opportunity in the region to work on U.S.-Japan initiatives, given the recent influx of Japanese businesses into the Dallas/Fort Worth market. I look forward to continuing the strong leadership which Ms. McFarland has demonstrated over the last two decades. She, her team and the board have laid a great foundation, which sets up the Japan-America Society to grow. I feel privileged to have been chosen to guide the next chapter of this organization’s success.”

About the Japan-Society of Dallas/Fort Worth

The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth furthers mutual understanding and ongoing engagement between Japanese and Americans. We provide quality programs in arts and culture, education, business, public policy and international exchange, and create opportunities for friendship and meaningful interaction. For more information, visit jasdfw.org.