A Special Message from the ALF Silicon Valley Board of Directors:
We are pleased to announce that Judge Erica Yew (Class XV) will become the new CEO of American Leadership Forum Silicon Valley beginning February 1.
Many of you already know Erica, a tireless advocate for fairness in our courts, a dedicated co-chair of the ALF AAPI Caucus affinity group, and a compassionate leader respected by the business, non-profit, public sector, and faith communities that make up ALF’s membership.
And while the formal release about Erica’s hiring is included below, here’s the backstory:
Erica was one of ten nominees to join the ALF Silicon Valley Board of Directors in September, distinguished leaders brought together by a task force chaired by ALF Senior Fellows Rolanda Pierre-Dixon and Tina Brown, working with Nominating and Governance Committee chair Kim Rivera.
As interim CEO, David Yarnold followed on, interviewing each of those candidates. After his first conversation with Erica, he confesses to being “awestruck.” Erica’s integrity, her commitment to ALF, and her accomplishments all shone through. David called Erica back the following day and asked, “Is there a chance we can toss a small explosive device into your retirement plans?”
The hiring process was already down to semi-finalists, and Erica framed up a thoughtful and compelling vision for ALF Silicon Valley. The search committee, made up of Chair Rebecca Vermeulen and Senior Fellows Tom Giles, Mica Mayo, Jon Hicks, and Heather Rangel, made a unanimous recommendation to the board, which approved of Erica’s hiring on September 24.
Because Erica had committed to staying on the bench through January 2026, you’re seeing this announcement now.
Please join us in congratulating Judge Yew.
The ALF Silicon Valley Board of Directors
