Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington

Krystal Ka‘ai Hetherington is a nationally recognized leader with over 15 years of experience working in government and nonprofit sectors to advance equity for underserved communities. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the bipartisan, congressionally appointed National Asian Pacific American Museum Commission. In this role, she oversees the Commission’s work to assess the feasibility of establishing a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, shaping a historic effort to honor and preserve the legacy of AA and NHPI communities.

In 2021, Krystal made history when she was appointed by President Biden as the first Native Hawaiian to serve as Executive Director of the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. During her tenure, she led the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of- government strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities—including efforts to address anti-Asian hate and expand access to federal programs nationwide.

She previously served as Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), a bicameral entity composed of Members of Congress who advocate for AA and NHPI communities at the federal level. During her decade-long career on Capitol Hill, Krystal played a critical role in increasing CAPAC’s visibility and securing key legislative victories, including the passage of the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act.

Her public service career also includes prior roles with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the State of Hawai‘i’s Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation. She is also the founder and President of Kaai Consulting Group, LLC, advising on public affairs, strategy, and policy. 

A prominent voice in public policy, Krystal has been a featured speaker at numerous national conferences and events. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her notable recognition, including spots on the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) 40 Under 40 List and the Gold House A100 List. A graduate of Lehigh University, Krystal currently resides in Honolulu, Hawai‘i with her husband.