Priya Purandare Named New Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Priya Purandare, Executive Director of the National Association of Women Judges, has been named the Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the nation’s leading voice for Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors and law students.

Priya will succeed Jill Werner, who has served as Interim Executive Director since November 2019. Priya brings unparalleled institutional knowledge, having started her career at the NAPABA Law Foundation in 2009. Returning to NAPABA in 2014, Priya steadily rose through the ranks to Deputy Director, and most recently, led the association as Interim Executive Director.

“We are excited for Priya to return to NAPABA—an organization that she has made significant contributions to over the past five years. She is strategic, resilient, and determined—someone who can lead this complex organization with a deep understanding of and appreciation for our history,” said NAPABA President Bonnie Lee Wolf.

“I am thrilled to rejoin the NAPABA family,” said Priya. “This community of vibrant and diverse attorneys is unlike any other. NAPABA has been my professional home for several years and I am excited to continue working with our talented, dedicated staff and Board of Governors. My vision for NAPABA is grounded in maintaining a relentless focus on our members. I am deeply committed to seeing NAPABA thrive in 2020 and beyond.”

Priya is uniquely situated to lead NAPABA into the future and will begin her role as Executive Director on April 15.

The Executive Director search was successfully conducted by the NAPABA Board of Governors and led by President-Elect A.B. Cruz III.