Zahilay Awards Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service to Michael Byun 

June 17, 2025

King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay on Tuesday awarded Michael Byun with the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?” 

“Michael Byun has been a steadfast force for justice and equity in our region,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “Through his leadership at ACRS, he’s not only empowered thousands of vulnerable community members—he’s helped build a more inclusive and compassionate King County. His vision, heart, and relentless advocacy have left a legacy that will inspire generations to come. We are deeply grateful for his service, and I cannot think of anyone more fitting for this award.”  

 Byun is the Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), one of Washington state's most prominent social justice and human services organizations. With nearly 25 years of leadership addressing health disparities, immigrant and refugee equity, and community empowerment, Byun has dedicated his career to advancing the well-being of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (A&NH/PI) and other underserved communities across the country. Prior to joining ACRS in 2018, Byun served for 15 years as Executive Director and then CEO of Asian Services in Action (ASIA), Inc., Ohio’s largest A&NH/PI-focused health and social services agency. 

 “I appreciate receiving this recognition on behalf of the community,” said Byun. “The work I do is part of a collective of caring, committed, and determined people in our community, many who do this without recognition. These are the people who embody the spirit of Dr. King and his tireless work to fight for equity and justice.”

 Byun has also played a key role in shaping national A&NH/PI advocacy and policy. He was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and by Ohio Governor John Kasich as Chair of the Ohio AAPI Advisory Council. He has served as Board Co-Chair of the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, and is a founding member of AIM for Equity, a national initiative working to advance racial and health equity. 

Mr. Byun holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington and is both a German Marshall Fund Fellow and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Fellow. 

This marks the 10th year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.