Kendall Kosai is the current Chair of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA). In his role, he leads 11 other state Commissioners appointed by the governor to be a voice for Washington’s diverse Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities by ensuring their access to participation in the fields of government, business, education, and other areas.
Kendall has over 15 years of experience in both Federal and State legislation serving as the former Deputy Director for OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a national membership-driven organization of community advocates dedicated toward the social, political, and economic well-being of the over 20 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in the United States. In his role. he oversaw the organization’s 50 chapters and affiliates, partnered with Congressional leaders, and worked across coalitions within and outside the AAPI community – addressing issues regarding immigration, the census, education, technology & communications, and civic engagement.
Kendall was previously a Reporter at the North American Post, the largest and oldest Japanese American newspaper in the Northwest, where he wrote stories on topics such as civil rights, health care, and politics.
He currently is the Director of Policy for the Anti-Defamation League, overseeing advocacy and policy for twelve states - leading a comprehensive legislative advocacy strategy pushing policy solutions around hate crimes, extremism, and public safety.
Kendall is the former President of White River Buddhist Temple, former OCA Greater Seattle Board Member, Obama Foundation 2025-2026 USA Leader, and a member of the US-Japan Council. In 2023, he was recognized with the 40 Under 40 award from the Puget Sound Business Journal. In 2025, he received the Tikun Olam Award for Public Service from the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Kendall is a proud fourth generation Japanese American with deep roots in Puget Sound and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Japanese.