After 18 years of leadership at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly known as CAIR Coalition), Kathy Doan will transition from Chief Executive Officer to President Emeritus. Amica Center would not exist today as a strong and steadfast advocate for immigrant rights without Kathy. We are grateful that Kathy will continue to work with us as President Emeritus, as she moves into a new phase of her career.  

Under Kathy’s leadership, Amica Center has become a national leader in legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrants facing detention and deportation. In partnership with Executive Director Michael Lukens and the broader leadership team, the organization has grown from a staff of nine to over 120 and has worked with well over 60,000 people. 

For the past two years, Kathy and Michael have led Amica Center together through one of the most challenging periods for immigrants’ rights. On June 1, Kathy will assume the role of President Emeritus, and Michael will continue as Executive Director, leading the organization as it continues to fight for immigrant rights. As a well-respected member of the DC legal community, Kathy remains a leading voice in this work, and her partnership with Michael continues to provide stability and leadership for Amica Center. 

This transition reflects the strength and intentional design of Amica Center’s leadership structure. Kathy, Michael, the Board, and the leadership team are aligned to ensure a seamless transition, with a continued focus on Amica Center’s strategic priorities, its staff, and its commitment to the rights, safety, and unity of immigrant communities. 

Amica Center celebrates Kathy’s extraordinary dedication to immigrants’ rights and is grateful for her continued support. We remain confident in the strength of our leadership and in the future of Amica Center—fighting each day to realize a humane and just immigration system that protects people seeking safety and keeps communities together.