HENRY CHAROEN

MAYOR PRO TEM
CITY OF LA PALMA

Take 10 | Full biography

Henry Charoen, the first Thai-American elected official in the United States, was elected to the La Palma City Council in November 2006.  After being sworn in as City Councilman, he was elected Mayor Pro Tem.  Mayor Pro Tem Charoen is committed to maintaining his city’s quality of life, strengthening its financial stability, and continuing its outstanding police protection.  With the support of his community, which is approximately 50% Asian American, Henry Charoen is making a difference in La Palma.

Born in Thailand, Henry Charoen moved to the United States when he was 5 years old.  He grew up in Las Vegas, NV and moved to southern California in 1991.  He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and earned his Masters of Business Administration from University of California, Irvine.  Henry has worked at Fortune 500 firms such as Accenture and Countrywide Home Loans.  Currently, he is a manager at PacifiCare and teaches management courses at the University of California, Irvine.

Before his election to the La Palma City Council, Henry dedicated his free time to community service and involvement.  He was appointed to the La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee by the City Council, and was a member of the La Palma Kiwanis Club, and Chairman of La Palma’s Veteran’s Day Entertainment Committee.

As Mayor Pro Tem, Henry Charoen currently represents La Palma at the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority and is the alternate to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Henry enjoys golfing, basketball, hiking, and traveling.  He believes in supporting Asian American organizations and makes every effort to participate in events sponsored by Asian American groups.  Henry attends events organized by CAUSE, Asian Professional Exchange, Wat Thai of Los Angeles, and many others.

Mayor Pro Tem Henry Charoen is honored to represent his constituents in the City of La Palma.