Saint Paul Mayor Kaohly Her Appoints Lee Pao Xiong to the Metropolitan Airports Commission

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Mayor Kaohly Her has appointed Lee Pao Xiong to serve as the City of Saint Paul Ex-Officio Representative on the Metropolitan Airports Commission.

Lee Pao Xiong is a community leader, a nationally recognized scholar, nonprofit executive, and public policy leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing education, community developments, and cultural preservation. His widely recognized contributions include serving on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under President Bill Clinton, establishing the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University–St. Paul, and appointment to the Metropolitan Council. Xiong has been instrumental to the founding and growth of organizations such as Hmong College Prep Academy, Hmong American Partnership, and the Asian Economic Development Association. Today, he serves as the Vice President for Strategy and External Affairs at Keystone Community Services located in Saint Paul. Through his public service and community leadership, he has dedicated his life to building institutions, expanding opportunities, and preserving the stories and contributions of underrepresented communities.  

The appointment has been filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State and Xiong's term will run through December 31, 2028.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission owns and operates the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The commission is responsible for ensuring the region's airport system supports economic growth, connectivity, and the needs of residents and businesses.