Mori Named JACL Interim National Director, Replaces Ailing Tateishi
Tateishi, who suffered a major coronary incident, is improving.
Former California State Assemblyman and past JACL national president Floyd Mori has been named the JACL's interim national director, taking the place of John Tateishi, who fell ill at the organization's San Francisco headquarters.
Tateishi, who has served as national director for seven years, was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital Nov 14, where he was diagnosed with a torn aorta. Tateishi's condition is said to be improving as he rests at his Marin County residence.
"It is going to be a fairly slow and long recovery, but he is optimistic that he will recover fully," said Carol Tateishi, John's wife.
In June, Tateishi announced his resignation after the JACL National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona citing personal and health reasons. He was asked to stay on to transition in a new national director. 
Tateishi's long fight for civil rights may now come to a close, officials say. Tateishi is credited with guiding the JACL through dark fiscal times.
He tightened fiscal measures and took on many duties himself while managing a budget surplus over the past two years.
"Never in my work with National JACL over the past 30 years have I encountered a director who was so committed to the JACL's mission and so dedicated to making sure the programs moved forward," said Mori. "We will be forever indebted to him for his contribution to the furtherance of justice in this great nation. John, his wife Carol and their family have sacrificed greatly for the JACL."
Tateishi served as the JACL's redress director in the 1970s.
While the national director position will be filled in the next two months, Mori has assumed the responsibility to lead the JACL.
Mori began his political career as a council member and mayor of Pleasanton, Calif. and later served in the California State Assembly from 1975-1980. His ties to the JACL have always been strong - Mori has been serving as the director of public policy for JACL in Washington, D.C. since August 2005. He is a past national president (2000-04), former vice president of general operations (1998-2000), and former vice president for public affairs (1990-92).
"Floyd Mori will provide the experience, leadership, and vision needed by JACL during this critical transition in our history and we envision a seamless continuation in operation and direction during this change," said JACL National President Larry Oda.
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