OCA Mourns Champion and Leader David Lin
For Immediate Release
November 12, 2025
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates mourns the passing of lifelong advocate and champion, David Lin.
David and his wife Jean, were identified by authorities and in published news reports as the victims of a double-homicide in Hillsborough, NJ. Both were 69 years of age.
Most recently, David Lin served as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Advocacy at IW Group, Inc. Before that, he played a key role in developing and strengthening AT&T’s partnerships with Asian American community organizations and was instrumental in founding and leading one of AT&T’s employee resource groups. In his role as Executive Director of External Affairs at AT&T, he chaired the OCA Business Advisory Council.
He served as a member of the OCA New Jersey Chapter Board and OCA National Vice President for Economic Development. Beyond the OCA family, David also dedicated his service to the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), where he served as National Vice President for Planning and Development and National President of JACL (2012–2016), in addition to his roles as Treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and Board Member of Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP).
“I met David more than twenty years ago, back when I was Executive Director at OCA and he served on our Business Advisory Council representing AT&T,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote. “He was a gift to me and to the AAPI community. From the start, his kindness and thoughtfulness stood out. He took the time to learn about the challenges faced by AAPI communities and to find ways to contribute. He showed up again and again as an advocate, mentor, and leader at the national level and in his own backyard. The outpouring of love and shared memories shows just how deeply David touched so many communities nationwide.”
“Giving. Giving to all. David Lin tirelessly gave his all to improving the livelihood of Asian American Pacific Islanders,” said Daphne Kwok, former Executive Director of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “I was especially proud when he served on the school board expanding his commitment to improving the lives of all students in his district.”
"This is such a deeply solemn moment for our community," said Kendall Kosai, former Deputy Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. " David represented what it meant to be a true advocate - an unwavering commitment toward uplifting AANHPIs with a kind heart. His warm personality, kind smile, and ferocious commitment toward making our community stronger will be so incredibly missed. May we find solace that his legacy lives on in the work that we will continue to do together."
“David Lin was not only my colleague and trusted confidant—he was a dear friend, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said Bill Imada, Founder & Chairman of IW Group, and OCA Business Advisory Council Member. “His compassion, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of collaboration lifted countless individuals and organizations, including my own. For more than three decades, David worked selflessly to build bridges between generations, communities, and institutions. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in our hearts, but his legacy of service and unity will continue to inspire us for generations to come.”
“I remember a meeting in NYC, a number of years ago, at my earliest and most uncertain stage of OCA involvement. David engaged and encouraged me in a way that spoke to his inclusivity and judgement as to who might be interested in making a difference,” said Frank Washington, OCA Business Advisory Council Chair. “It will be these and his other qualities that will far supersede the tragedy of this moment.”
“I will always remember David as a reserved, soft spoken, kind man who was a fierce advocate for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Ginny Gong, former National President of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “He was dedicated, loyal and always present. David was a man of deep compassion - a dear friend with a golden heart. During my tenure as OCA’s National President, David dedicated his energies to galvanizing the support of corporate America in his leadership role on the OCA-Business Advisory Council. His commitment towards each of us as individuals, and as organizations, will be long remembered and appreciated.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a trusted colleague and close friend,” said Leslie Moe-Kaiser, former National President of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “From our early years on the OCA Executive Council to collaborating on the Business Advisor Council, I always looked forward to our brainstorming sessions. David’s analytical, compassionate leadership style was an outstanding model for staff and the National Board. More than that, David was a kind, thoughtful individual with a knack for putting people at ease. He will be deeply missed.”
“David will always be remembered for his warm smile and genuine care for others,” said Linda Ng, former National President of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “What began as a business connection grew into a valued friendship, marked by mutual respect and support. He was always ready to engage thoughtfully and passionately on issues facing the AANHPI community, reflecting his steadfast dedication to making a difference. David’s kindness and positive energy left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.”
“There are many words to describe David’s leadership and all the extraordinary things he did for the community, but it was his quiet care and guidance that impacted me the most,” said Sharon Wong, National President of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “David was a cherished colleague and friend who also served as a mentor. When I first became OCA President, David was Chair of our BAC, and made it a point to ensure I met everyone in my new role, providing invaluable advice and support. This was just how David was -- compassionate, giving, caring. He was my constant encouragement and cheerleader, and my happiest memory of David is his big smile calling out "Madame President" whenever he would see me over the years (including just last year), no matter how many times I laughed back and corrected him. David's legacy continues to live in the many organizations he supported and led, in the roles that he took on selflessly, and with the individuals whose lives he impacted so meaningfully.”
“I will always remember David Lin as one of the first community leaders I met who truly championed intergenerational bridgebuilding,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates. “He always created a warm and welcoming environment to junior staff, and when I became a senior leader at OCA, he was one of the first to reassure me of his commitment to lend his support, mentorship, and resources. His kindness and empathy was imitable, and his legacy serves as a model to us all.”
David’s commitment to advancing the Asian American community throughout his distinguished career was recognized by the OCA New Jersey Chapter’s Community Service Award, the New Jersey Chinese-American Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Champion Award, the Asian Business Association’s Advocate of the Year Award, and the OCA National Corporate Achievement Award.
In addition to his corporate and non-profit leadership, David served his local community as a member of the Hillsborough, NJ School Board from 2006 to 2009, including a term as Vice President. He also served on the Hillsborough Culture & Arts Commission, the Hillsborough Public Library Advisory Board, and the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
David Lin’s legacy is one of service, mentorship, and bridge-building across communities. His wisdom, warmth, and vision will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. OCA extends its deepest condolences to David’s family, friends, and colleagues and honors his lifelong commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for all.
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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.