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After over nine years as Co-Executive Directors, Alexis Walstad and Eh Tah Khu have both announced plans to step down from their roles in 2025. Alexis’ last day of employment with KOM will be August 15, and Eh Tah Khu plans to stay at KOM through December 31.
Kaziah Josiah, Board Chair for the organization, shares, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank Alexis and Eh Tah Khu for their leadership and contributions to KOM over the past decade. Their dedication and vision have guided and grown the organization in many ways.” She continues, “We are grateful for the impact that they have made to the organization and the community – it will be felt for years to come. We wish them both the best in their future endeavors.”
Alexis joined KOM in January 2012 as the organization’s first full-time development staff and served as Interim Executive Director for seven months before being appointed to a permanent role. Under her leadership, KOM has more than quadrupled its budget and expanded programming in workforce development, financial literacy, cultural arts, social services, health education, and youth development.
Alexis credits the hard work, intuitiveness, and adaptability of KOM’s staff for the organization’s success. “I’ve learned so much from our staff and community partners who are always thinking of ways that systems could work better for refugees. It’s very rewarding to see their ideas become reality through the programs we’ve created together,” she said. Alexis plans to complete her master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Minnesota in December 2025 and to transition to a new role aligning her interests in public policy, equity, and community wellbeing.
Eh Tah Khu began working at KOM in January 2011, just months after resettling to the U.S. He started as a Youth Development Coordinator, building on his experience as an educator on the Thai-Burma border. He was promoted to Program Manager in 2013 and then to Co-Executive Director in 2016. Eh Tah Khu has raised the profile of Karen people in Minnesota and strengthened KOM’s relationships with many service partners, community leaders, and government officials. He has also provided vital human resources and operational support to our growing team.
Eh Tah Khu shared, “I am blessed to have had this opportunity. It’s been an honor to be a part of a team that is providing necessary services to not only people from Burma, but all refugees and immigrants. It’s a joy to see the impact that KOM has on people’s lives.” As he approaches a milestone of 15 years with KOM, Eh Tah Khu has decided to pursue new opportunities and welcome in a new leader to take KOM forward.
KOM’s Board of Directors has been working with Alexis and Eh Tah Khu over the past several months to plan a thoughtful leadership transition. This includes engaging current staff and community leaders to provide input into KOM’s leadership structure and appointing staff and community representatives to the selection committee. KOM will share a job posting and more updates about the leadership transition within the next week. Questions may be directed to humanresources02@mnkaren.org.
Published June 23, 2025
