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Under Kawata’s leadership, NMAC became known not just for its policy influence and programmatic work, but for cultivating inclusive spaces where the HIV community could gather, mobilize, and lead. He helped launch cornerstone convenings such as USCHA, the Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit, and the Coalition for Justice and Equality Across Movements—all vital platforms in the national effort to end the epidemic.
“I took this role at a time when leading an HIV/AIDS organization was not a career-builder. But it was necessary,” said Kawata. “The communities I care about were being erased. Since then, science has advanced, but the fight for equity remains as urgent as ever. There have been highs and lows, and I’ll carry all of it with me into my final USCHA this September.”
Lance Toma, Chair of NMAC’s Board of Directors and CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center, praised Kawata’s enduring impact: “Paul’s legacy is written into NMAC’s DNA—our unapologetic centering of communities of color, our coalition-building across political lines, and our unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity. NMAC's Board of Directors applauds Paul and his outstanding track record of leadership on behalf of all of us. Our Board is focused on ensuring we honor Paul and all his contributions and accomplishments, as well as ensuring a smooth and seamless executive transition at this critical time in the HIV movement.”
Harold Phillips, NMAC’s Deputy Director of Programs, added: “Paul’s contributions have inspired a generation. We know the work is far from over—and our team is committed to continuing the mission and blazing new trails in the spirit he modeled for decades.”
Kawata’s final USCHA will take place September 4–7, 2025, in Washington, D.C.—a fitting stage to honor a leader whose work reshaped the HIV landscape and whose voice helped usher the community from crisis to coalition. While we will soon celebrate Paul’s legacy, we are also preparing for NMAC’s next chapter. Our Board of Directors is actively guiding the leadership transition and will be sharing more updates over the next few weeks.
About NMAC: Launched in 1987 during the early years of the HIV/AIDS crisis, NMAC is a national HIV organization that offers capacity building, leadership development, policy and advocacy, and public engagement to end the HIV epidemic among communities most-impacted in the United States. We convene Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit - the nation’s largest gathering focused on PrEP for HIV prevention and the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS - the nation’s largest gathering for community building and advocacy mobilization.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Pavni Guharoy
NMAC
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