After 32 years at the Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Dean Nakanishi will retire on June 30.
Joining in 1991, he served as administrative director for most of his tenure, and as CEO since 2021.
AADAP is grateful to Nakanishi for his service and commitment to the organization and its mission. He oversaw all aspects of AADAP’s operations and furthered the organization’s services, including expanding employment programs, HIV/AIDS outreach, and sober living homes. He played a crucial role in establishing core business processes covering auditing, insurance, health and safety, human resources, risk management, and marketing/fundraising.
Alongside Mike Watanabe, Nakanishi facilitated AADAP’s growth from a grassroots nonprofit to one of Los Angeles County’s largest substance use treatment providers.
Under Nakanishi’s leadership, AADAP achieved full accreditation from CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International in 2014, underscoring the organization’s commitment to service excellence and continued mission-driven growth.
Passionate about supporting vulnerable populations affected by substance use disorder amidst neighborhood gentrification, Nakanishi has advocated for equitable access to services, and championed for cultural competency to reach underserved AAPI and other diverse groups.
An alumnus of Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business, he enjoys fishing, gardening and traveling.
“It has been an incredible 32 years. I was here during the L.A. Riots, Northridge Earthquake, the AADAP expansion years and the most recent COVID pandemic,” Nakanishi said. “AADAP has grown so much. My legacy will always be working side-by-side with the G.O.A.T. of AADAP, Mike Watanabe. AADAP will always be my ʻohana and I will continue to fight the good fight for recovery services!”
Michael Yoshiba, board chair, stated, “On behalf of the entire board, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dean for his unwavering dedication to AADAP and steadfast commitment to advancing our mission. As Dean approaches retirement, we acknowledge his remarkable career achievements and unparalleled contributions over 32 years. His impact is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire.”
Rhea K. Mac, a social equity consultant with Nonprofit Growth Advisors (NGA), will serve as interim CEO starting July 1. She is a dedicated Angeleno with expertise in nonprofit organizations, social equity, and homelessness and looks forward to applying her expertise to serve and support AADAP during this transition.
Koya Partners will conduct an executive search for AADAP’s next CEO, prioritizing finding a match that will value the rich history of the organization and carry forward AADAP’s mission.