Koya | Diversified Search Group partnered with The Asian American Foundation on the search for an inaugural Director of People and Culture.

In this role, Paul takes the lead in developing the organization’s culture and values while identifying its strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities. He joined TAAF after having served in a multitude of public sector leadership roles, including chief of human resource administration at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, deputy chief human resources officer at the Chicago Housing Authority, deputy chief talent officer at City Colleges of Chicago, director of human resources at the Academy for Urban School Leadership, and director of talent acquisition at Chicago Public Schools.

During his tenure at Chicago Public Schools, Paul helped the organization reach historic lows in the number of unfilled teacher vacancies that serve approximately 400,000 students. He was recognized as a top school district leader utilizing technology to fast-track and efficiently manage HR functions. In his later roles as a senior human resources advisor, he launched initiatives to address and revitalize culture and climate, implemented or upgraded existing performance processes, and developed professional learning programs. His thoughts on best practices in human resources have been shared in conferences, presentations, and the media.

Paul currently serves on the board of two nonprofit organizations focused on social justice.

He lives in South Barrington, Illinois with his wife, Kethaki and two children, Neeraj and Neetu.

Paul holds undergraduate degrees from Loyola University Chicago, a Law degree from the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s in cities from the London School of Economics and Political Science.