SEAMAAC, a non-profit organization serving immigrants and refugees in the Philadelphia region, announced the appointment of activist and civic leader Andy Toy as its new Development & Communications Manager (DCM). 

The organization had been searching for a DCM for over a year to focus on new grant opportunities, build new collaborative efforts and enhance its external communications efforts. Toy’s resume includes nearly 30 years of experience in public and urban policy, city government with a focus on community and economic development, real estate, and community outreach. 

“We are very pleased to have someone of Andy’s caliber and experience in the Philadelphia community join the SEAMAAC team,” remarked Thoai Nguyen, SEAMAAC Executive Director.  “Andy will bring his vast knowledge of the philanthropic community and experience in various leadership roles to SEAMAAC. He is a well-respected member of the Asian American community with a proven record of building strong relationships with the broader Philadelphia community.”

In the past, Toy has served as managing director of the Eastern Tower Community Center for Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation; senior director of business development for The Enterprise Center; manager within Philadelphia’s City Commerce Department; and has even been a candidate for Philadelphia’s City Council.

“I’ve personally seen SEAMAAC grow and evolve over the last couple of decades. I look forward to contributing to its growth and bringing further opportunities to SEAMAAC that will advance its mission of improving educational, health and social services available to the immigrant and refugee community members of Philadelphia,” Toy said.

Founded in 1984 as the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Inc., SEAMAAC has over 31 years of experience serving and advocating for refugees, immigrants, and asylees in the Philadelphia area.

The organization’s programs include ESL classes, citizenship classes, after school programs, summer camps, truancy prevention, domestic violence prevention, elderly services, public benefits education and enrollment, health education, refugee services, civic engagement, and women’s support groups.