TRAILBLAZER OF CHANGE AWARD

For the past 40 years, Art has used innovation to solve problems for leaders, frontline workers, and the people we serve.  Today, Art teaches at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies, where he is an Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Program Director in the Master’s Program in Technology Management. Art is the Board Chair at CACF, the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, the leading voice for Asian New Yorkers, and a recent Mackenzie Scott grant recipient. (KAFSC is a CACF member).

Art was the first Korean-American Candidate for Mayor and ran in the 2021 NYC Democratic primary. Before that, Art was a Managing Director at JPMorgan Chase; the first (and only) AAPI Board Member of the NYC Campaign Finance Board; and the Founding Chair of the NYC Voter Assistance Committee. 

Art has been a technology entrepreneur, advisor, and investor in numerous startups in over 20 industries, including enterprise software, media and entertainment, legal, e-commerce, fashion, finance, mobile, and healthcare, in the U.S. and internationally. 

Art’s accomplishments include leading the creation of JPMorgan’s Legal Knowledge Management system; co-creating NYC Votes with the NYC Campaign Finance Board staff; co-creating Casebook for government child welfare with the Annie E. Casey Foundation; founding team member of the Queens West development in Long Island City; and a catalyst in the creation of New York City’s tech startup community. 

Art was the second man to graduate from Yale University with a BA in Women’s Studies, which he earned while working full-time.  Art received his MBA in Finance from New York University. 

Art lives in Brooklyn and Shelter Island with his wife, Allison Thrush, and sons Ben and Elliott.