Our Bureau
Washington
Indian American Impact announced the appointment of Chintan Patel as its 4th Executive Director. A veteran campaign and political operative, Patel will lead Indian American Impact alongside 3rd Executive Director and now-President, Neil Makhija, into the 2024 elections and beyond.
With more than 15 years of experience in grassroots organizing and political campaigns, Patel joins Impact from End Citizens United/Let America Vote, where he served as Vice President of Political Affairs. There, he oversaw and directed the organization’s political strategy across federal and non-federal races, helping win over 350 campaigns up and down the ballot and cultivating relationships with community stakeholders.
Previously, Patel served as a political consultant, where he developed and executed winning direct mail campaigns, and as political and field director for numerous campaigns.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Chintan Patel as our new Executive Director,” said Deepak Raj, co-founder, and Narendra Mulani, chair, of Indian American Impact. “In elections across the country this year, Indian Americans are making historic gains in representation and can again make the crucial margin of victory. Chintan’s wealth of expertise in political strategy, voter mobilization and candidate support will be instrumental in driving our mission forward.”
Chintan Patel echoed the board’s enthusiasm and said, “I am honored to join Indian American Impact at this critical moment for our country and our communities. The 2024 elections present an important opportunity for Indian and South Asian Americans to have our voice heard in our Democracy. I look forward to working with the talented staff and exceptional board to build upon the organization’s success and move our candidates and communities forward.”
“I am thrilled to pass the baton to Chintan Patel, who I have known for nearly 15 years working at the highest levels of politics. He is the perfect person to take our organization to the next level,” said Impact President Neil Makhija.
As the second-largest immigrant community in the United States and the fastest-growing community in many states, Indian Americans are increasingly influential in American politics. Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact has endorsed and supported 164 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, the organization has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.
