BOSTON, MA – President Biden has appointed Shahid Ahmed Khan of Boston to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, known as PACA.
Mr. Khan, a prominent member of the Pakistani-American community within the Greater Boston area, brings to PACA a rich tapestry of experience spanning over two decades in international affairs. His focus on the Asian and Muslim world is reflected in his work as a community leader, political advisor, and entrepreneur, advocating for U.S. values and principles through sustained dialogue and engagement.
Established in 1958 by President Eisenhower, the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA) has played a valuable role in sustaining the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Cultural Center.
Members of the Committee are civic and cultural leaders who are selected by the President of the United States to serve as representatives in their own communities for the Kennedy Center. The Center considers PACA appointees to be “Ambassadors for the Arts.” Acting as a national network for the Center, the PACA helps to broaden the Center’s influence and extend its vision across the country. The Committee serves as a national forum, giving its members the opportunity to share with the Kennedy Center their views on the Center’s artistic programming.
Mr. Khan served as member of the Board of Trustees of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and has previously served on the Advisory Board of the Democratic National Committee. He served as the National Finance Co-Chair for the 2004 Presidential campaign of John Kerry, and served as an advisor on presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, congressional, mayoral, and judicial campaigns in the United States for the past twenty years. Khan played an integral role in mobilizing and involving the South Asian-American community in the Biden for President campaign.
Khan is a recognized political and social activist on South Asian affairs. He is the founder of Triconboston Consulting Corporation, where he has advised companies focused on renewable energy, IT, and healthcare. He serves as Advisor on Dunya Media Network International, according to White House press release.