The Asian-American Affairs Liaison serves as an advocate for the Asian-American community and coordinates efforts to identify, address and resolve problems between this community and the county government. It also assists in protocol matters regarding visits by foreign officials and dignitaries from Asian countries. Kimi Springsteen has held this position since the office was created in 1994.

A native of Seoul, Korea, Kimi first came to American in 1961 as a student to pursue her master’s degree in English Literature, which she received in 1963. Before working with the county, she was a university professor and public school educator in Korea and the United States. Kimi’s professional status can be highlighted through the many leadership positions she has held in the community, including chair of the Asian American Coalition of Florida; president of the Asia Pacific-U.S. Foundation; advisory board member of the United Way of Tampa Bay; president of the Korea-U.S. Culture and Education Foundation; external advisory board member of the University of Florida International Center; and member of the board of directors and past chair of the Florida-Korea Economic Cooperation Committee. Chair, Tampa-Hillsborough International Protocol Office (THIPO) Advisory Council.

Kimi and her husband, who is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, have been married for almost 40 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren.