Rev Norman Fong announced Friday he would be retiring as Executive Director at the Chinatown Community Development Center in San Francisco.
Well known as a pastor at the San Francisco Presbyterian Church and a leader in its youth ministry, Cameron House, Fong has long been a fixture in the community.
Fong has lead CCDC since 2011. President Barack Obama named him a Champion for Change in 2013. Last year he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from San Francisco State University.
He has been involved with CCDC for some thirty years when he joined as its deputy director of programs. The organization credits him with launching an award-winning youth leadership development program, shepherding San Francisco’s first community alleyway master plan and founding one of the most effective leadership organizing programs in the country.
CCDC is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in San Francisco through the building of affordable housing, urban planning and advocacy.
As executive director, he doubled CCDC’s staff and grew the organization’s housing portfolio to nearly 3,500 units. He also oversaw the rehabilitation of Chinatown’s Ping Yuen Public Housing Project, among others. Tonight (February 8) the charismatic Fong will serve as Grand Marshall for the city’s Lunar New Year Parade.
Fong is also well known for his musical prowess and is a member of the popular Asian American band, Just Jammin’.
“Norman is a tireless, energetic individual who is also gifted with incredible social skills,” Rev Harry Chuck said after he nominated Fong for San Francisco State’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
“While Norman is close to what most would consider retirement age, he is still going strong,” Chuck says. “Hardly a week goes by when he doesn’t remind us of our own potential as Christ’s messengers of love and justice.”
Fong’s retirement will become effective April 9. Deputy director Malcolm Yeung, CCDC’s current deputy director, has been named to succeed Fong.
“No individual can fill Norman’s shoes. But Norman has assembled a strong leadership team that, together, will carry on his work,” said Yeung.
“We congratulate Norman on his retirement from Chinatown CDC and thank him for his three decades of dedicated service,” said Board Vice President Jane Chin. “Norman isn’t retiring from the Community itself. We know the Reverend will lead our community’s charge for justice, equity and inclusion for years to come,” said Board Chair Phil Chin.
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