About CLFW (Bios)

Michel Edde, President
Neemat Frem, Vice-President
Charles Hage, Treasurer
Rose Choueiri, Member
Jacques El Kallassi, Member
Ramez Skaff, Ph.D., Member

Michel Edde, President

Neemat Frem, Vice-President
Neemat Frem is President & CEO of INDEVCO Group, a Lebanese-owned and based multinational manufacturing Group employing over 9400 people worldwide.

Mr. Frem manages over 39 manufacturing plants and 21 commercial companies.  Located in Egypt, England, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United States; the manufacturing plants produce plastic, paper and corrugated packaging, tissue and consumer products, machinery and alternative energy sources.

He founded Phoenix Machinery in Safra in the late 1990s.  A success story, the company has evolved from a machinery manufacturer into a high technology service provider that designed, built and transferred an energy-efficient biomass power plant in the U.S.  Phoenix has since expanded with a sister company there, Phoenix Technology Holdings

He is currently the President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI).  ALI is the official representative of the Industrial Sector in Lebanon.  It focuses on developing, promoting, and nurturing the Industrial Sector and the industrial companies of Lebanon.

With a personal and corporate philosophy of “commitment to the community”, he is the Vice President of The Maronite Foundation in the World, a board member of many Islamic-Christian dialogue organizations, a board member of AUB Olayan School of Business Middle East Advisory Board, Young Presidents Organization, as well as other social institutions.

He has attended executive leadership and business programs at Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Stanford University.  He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering from American University of Beirut (AUB).

Charles Hage, Treasurer

Mr. Charles Hage is the co-founder of Mada group, a multinational voice and data operator. Operating mainly in the Middle East and Africa. From 1992 until 1999 Executive director at MCI, the leading long distance carrier in the US.

Mr. Hage is an active member of various NGO's and charity organizations in Lebanon and abroad.

Rose Choueiri, Member
Throughout the dynamic growth of Choueiri Group, in a world of rapid change, Mrs. Rose CHOUEIRI has always been a corner stone around whom all major decisions revolved.

As wife of the late Antoine Choueiri, she has provided support and counsel, personal and professional, for two generations of family and staff. She is the proud mother of Pierre Choueiri current Chairman and CEO of the Group, and of Lena Nahas current Vice-Chairman and Group CFO, and grandmother to their total of 7 children.

Mrs. Rose Choueiri is also a much-respected professional figurehead to more than 600 committed executives that market some 50 media vehicles across 9 markets in the MENA region; she has earned that respect. Her professional story is one of strong leadership. She has managed several of the Group’s companies in Lebanon, while remaining in close contact with the whole group’s operation through her role as board member.

Currently Honorary Chairman of Choueiri Group, she continues her involvement in the leadership of the Group’s 11 subsidiaries.

Mrs. Rose Choueiri also devotes enormous time and energy into humanitarian, charitable and cultural associations. She is an Executive Member of the Lebanese Heritage Foundation, the Byblos Festival, the Auxilia Association and the Chronic Care Center, to name but a few. She also sits on the board of trustees of NDU University and the Maronite Foundation in the World. Last but not least, she is an honor member of Caritas.

Jacques El Kallassi, Member
Born in Chahtoul – Kesrouan – Lebanon in 1956 / Married – 4 children

Profession

Chairman of “Groupka Holding sal”.

Groupka Holding is a major shareholder in several companies in Lebanon, Denmark and Eastern Europe, active in several sectors:

1- Production & trading of dairy products

2- Franchisee of fast moving consumer goods (Burger King & Applebee’s)

3- Food business and production

4- Property development

Cultural & Humanitarian Activities

1- Member of the Board of Directors and General Manager “TeleLumiere” since 1990 and chairman “Noursat” since 2003.

Telelumiere / Noursat stations supervised by the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon and directed by a Committee involving religious leaders from various denominations and a group of laity eager to support this ecumenical mission.

These stations spread the Good News and promote love, peace and human values.

2- Member of the Board of Directors and General Secretary of the “Assembly of the Sons of the Church” an association with humanitarian and educational objectives such as food and clothing distribution to 200 needy families, offering 3 menus a day to 400 poor people and 2 rehabilitation centers for drug addicted and prostitution.

3- Member of “Saint Vincent De Paul” association – Saint Peter Conference – Chahtoul since 1988.

Ramez Skaff, Ph.D., Member, Birmingham, AL
Ramez Skaff is the Executive Treasurer of Interstate Resources, Inc. Dr. Skaff manages the Legal, Benefits, Treasury, and Risk Management Departments of the company. Additionally, he serves as Treasurer and Secretary to the Board of Directors.

Dr. Skaff has worked for INDEVCO Group since the early 1980’s. Before moving to Interstate Resources, he was Group Controller for the INDEVCO Saudi Joint Venture. He has 30 years of experience in the paper and packaging industry. Before joining INDEVCO Group, Dr. Skaff held several executive positions at the World Bank.

Dr. Skaff also serves on the Board of American Friends of Al Younbouh, SESOBEL, Georges N. Frem Foundation, and American Fidelity.

New Members of the Board of Trustees:

(Joined in May 2015)

Anthony J. Asher, Cleveland, OH

George R. Ayoub, D.D.S., Phoenix, AZ

Dr. George R. Ayoub has dedicated his life to his faith, family, church and his country. He is involved in many community services providing leadership, mentorship and philanthropic efforts but not limited to his work with the church. Some of the community involvement includes:

Serving as a Chairman for the Festival Fundraising Committee at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Parish of Phoenix, Arizona. This involvement is on a local, diocesan and international level

President of the Arizona Advisory Board, in which his obligation is to help provide advice for the Lebanese Council General in Los Angeles, California.

Member of the Board of Directors of Caritas Lebanon USA.

President, Treasurer and Founder of EKASS (Elias K Ayoub Scholarship Society).

Member of the Academy of General Dentistry in Arizona.

Dr. Ayoub has served and is currently serving many non-profit organizations where he enjoys being able to give back to the community but especially Lebanese-Americans and the American Lebanese. He has a lot of gratification in knowing that his efforts help many men, women and children of the general population.

George H. BuAbbud, Ph.D., Boston, MA

Dr. George H. BuAbbud Ph.D. serves as Vice President Telecommunications Products of IPG Photonics Corporation since July 2002. Prior to joining the company Dr. BuAbbud was Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for the Access Network Systems division of Marconi Communications Inc. a maker of telecommunications systems from 1999 to 2002. He holds a B.E. in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Beirut and an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska.

Abdo George Kadifa, Palo Alto, CA
Mr. Abdo George Kadifa has been an Executive Vice President of HP Software at Hewlett-Packard Company since May 2012. Mr. Kadifa serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of Hewlett-Packard Company. He has been Head of The Hp Software Branch at Hewlett-Packard Company since May 2012. Mr. Kadifa is a Venture Partner at Arch Venture Partners, L.P. He joined Arch in mid- 2007 and is focused on information technology opportunities including software, enterprise applications, communications, infrastructure, electronics, networking and systems development.

Mr. Kadifa also lends his considerable expertise to portfolio executive teams, advising on strategy, product development, and execution. He works with MobileVerbs. He served as a Partner and Director, Value Creation at Silver Lake Partners. He joined Silver Lake in 2007. He served as Executive Vice President of Silver Lake Resources Limited until June 2012. Prior to joining Silver Lake, Mr. Kadifa served as the Vice President of Global Delivery at IBM Global Technology Services at International Business Machines Corporation, where he also had served as the General Manager of the company’s Applications on Demand product area.

Mr. Kadifa joined IBM as a part of its 2005 acquisition of Corio, Inc., where he served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President since August 1998. He led Corio from its start-up in August 1999, to its initial public offering in 2000, to its sale to IBM in 2005. Prior to joining Corio Inc., from August 1992 to August 1999, Mr. Kadifa served as Senior Vice President of the Industrial Sector at Oracle Corporation, directing the company's largest and most profitable vertical sector. In addition, he served as a Management Consultant of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation. Prior to Booz-Allen, Mr. Kadifa served as a Development Manager at Xerox, leading strategic initiatives and software development, along with obtaining two United States patents in operating system and user interface software and receiving the Xerox Inventor award. Mr. Kadifa started his career on the research staff at Fairchild Semiconductor. He served as the Chairman of Serena Software, Inc. since February 23, 2012. He served as the Chairman of Corio, Inc. He has been a Director of Serena Software, Inc., since March 2010.

Mr. Kadifa served as a Member of Advisory Board at Orsyp S.A. He served as a Director of Univa, Inc. He served as a Director of Application Security, Inc., since December 2008. He has spent his 25-year technology career serving in chief executive and other senior management positions as well as in management consulting, research, and development in software and applications, communications, electronics and instrumentation.

Mr. Kadifa holds an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Beirut.

Source: Business Week

Salim M. Sessine, P.E., Detroit, MI
Salim Sessine, was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States in 1980.  Salim received a Master’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University and pursued a career as a Consulting Mechanical Engineer.  

Mr. Sessine is currently the Owner/President of MA Engineering.  He also belongs to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Livonia, Michigan and is involved with St. Jude Research Hospital, Michigan Chapter.  Salim was a Board Member with Auxilia Foundation. Salim currently resides in the West Bloomfield area with his loving family.

Philippe Khalil Ziade, Las Vegas, NV
Philippe Ziade graduated with dual degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Now as CEO and Founder of Growth Holdings, a conglomerate of companies, creating a full-service real estate development and management operations, Ziade has set out to create something unique. His objective was to lead with profitability and shift the paradigm in his field, blending business acumen with investment knowledge, talent with creativity, and innovation with inspiration. Ziade has developed a singular vision: to balance both the art and science of business.

Mr. Ziade is the CEO and Founder of Appleton Properties into one of the most prominent and successful privately owned Real Estate Investment Companies in Las Vegas. Ziade’s firm quickly developed a reputation for building wonderful commercial projects while making sound Investments, Sales, Acquisitions, and Development. His knowledge and his reputation remain true today as evidenced by his awards of achievement and combined 30 years of experience.

Ziade is the CEO and Founder of Growth Luxury Homes. Ziade is building the next generation of ultra-luxury homes— today. Growth’s mission is to revitalize the homebuilding process by bringing cutting-edge technology and smart-home automation with maximum energy efficiency, all without jeopardizing beauty or design. Ziade expends Growth Luxury Homes brand with over 64 new projects through the Las Vegas Valley, with award winning designs, ranging from $2.7 million to over $20 million.

Ziade is also President of Progressive Construction, Inc – DBA Growth Construction, founded in 1993 throughout New York City, which is a dynamic, multi-million dollar General Contracting/Construction Management firm known for providing innovative solutions to construction projects of all sizes and types. Their projects consistently meet budgets and schedules while exceeding the expectations of their clients and their team of highly-qualified professionals are dedicated to providing their clients unsurpassed service. Progressive Construction’s client list ranges extensively from Four Seasons Hotel, Ashbury Capital, JPMorgan Chase, New York Public Library, The Lombardy Hotel and Trump International Hotel & Tower, just to name a few.

Ziade is the Founder and CEO of Incloud – a real estate cutting edge software/platform- where the art of real estate meets the science of success. The program uses data and technology to create a competitive advantage and optimize performance. It is a centralized web-based transaction management platform that intersects people, knowledge, and tools with processes that allow you to outperform your competitors and deliver results. The software will revolutionize the way that real estate professionals, investors and even hedge funds are able to do business.

Ziade is the Founder and CEO of Unibuilder – a comprehensive and fully integrated web-based construction management and service work order solution. Unibuilder offers the best in easy to use and affordable Service. Where the art of construction meet the science of success.

Ziade, also co-founded Ferraro Marble Group in 1999. The group grew to be a worldwide importer and nationwide fabricator and installer of natural granite, marble, limestone, ceramic and porcelain products. Servicing and overseeing large scale residential and hotel projects, with a list of clientele to include Encore at the Wynn Hotel, Cashman Center, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Turnberry Towers, and Marnell Corrao just to name a few.

Ziade, born in Lebanon, believing that culture and community are the foundation of his roots, Ziade with the support of the Consulate General of Lebanon, has launched the “Invest to Stay Program” on September 19, 2014, in Los Angeles, California in the presence of Gebran Bassil, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon. The goal is to create viable investment opportunities that promote sustainable growth and financial stability to elevate the Lebanese community and stimulate the economy.

Through his sound strategic leadership, Ziade will develop opportunities along with the partnerships of the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Consulate General of Lebanon in Los Angeles and a carefully selected Board of Directors.

Ziade’s memberships and awards include: ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), Tau Beta Pi (The Engineering Honor Society)Ziade was recognized by The Wall Street Journal and Real Trends, Inc. – Top 1000 real estate professionals in the US, Ranking Number 46 with 269 Transactions closed in 2011. In 2012, with a shortage of inventory, Ziade was able to exceed last year’s performance and increase his overall volume by closing a total of 420 transactions to rank #13 on the list nationally, and #1 in Nevada for both number of transactions and dollar volume.

Ziade is “Ranked #1 real estate professional nationally by Better Homes and Gardens magazine.” The Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR) and its Young Professionals Network of Las Vegas (YPN) announced Philippe Ziade of Vibrant Realty is a winner of their “Top 40 under 40.” The award acknowledges Real Estate Professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in their careers and service to their community and to the real estate industry.

Ziade is well known and has been featured “IN AMERICA with James Earl Jones” a new educational commercial segment broadcasted on primetime in over 84 million homes via MSNBC, CNBC, CNN  networks. Ziade’s educational segment, as a top leader in the real estate industry, has aired 400 times in many of the top 100 Direct Marketing Areas during peak and prime time on networks such as CNBC, CNN, CNN Headline News, Fox Business Network, The Learning Channel, Family TV, and the Discovery Channel.

Ziade travels the world, sharing his insight on real estate investing and development, with his latest seminars at Bloomberg Japan… Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world.

Ziade, featured on ZUU online as the “Las Vegas Real Estate King”. ZUU online is a Tokyo-based financial media that provides original insights on financial market news, the latest business trend and personal finance advice. Our commitment is to provide the most current information to help you make smarter money decisions.

At the same time, Ziade’s growing family likes to make a difference in the community in which they live by getting involved in positive women’s and children’s charities by giving back their time and support. Ziade was recognized by The United Way’s Tocqueville Society, Ziade’s support and donations are helping United Way to change lives through philanthropic leadership focused on the building blocks for a better life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family through retirement, and good health.

Edward M. Salem, Honorary Member, Los Angeles, CA
Edward M. Salem left SMC after serving six years as Director, Change Management in the Program Management Integration Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center (Air Force Space Command), Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. 

Mr. Salem had been in the Federal Service continuously since 1972.  His service includes having been a Loan Officer with the Small Business Administration, Chief, Advertising and Sales Promotion and Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, Des Moines, Iowa. Arriving at Space and Missile Systems Center in 1985, he has been Command Speech Writer, Chief of Community Relations, Deputy Director, Commander’s Action Group, Deputy Director, Directorate of Strategic Planning, Director of Strategic Planning, and Acting Director and Deputy Director, Plans and Programs.  He has been awarded the Exceptional Civilian Service Medal and the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal as well as several Letters of Commendation.  Among his many projects, he has managed the Center’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission efforts, the Quality Air Force Assessment, the base renovation and revitalization program, and effort to deploy a knowledge management instance, managing change in the organization through business process engineering and reengineering and the development and training of a workforce to replace an aging, soon to retire, workforce. Mr. Salem retired from active federal service in February 2005, and returned to duty under the reemployed annuitant program in January 2006. Non-government experience includes consulting for Pioneer Hybrid Seed, Des Moines, Iowa, Osmotik, Inc, Leonie Industries, and professional practices of medicine, dentistry and law on market positioning.

Among his many community activities are activities with his church on a local, diocesan and international level.  He provides counseling and mentoring to men and women both at SMC and in the local communities.  Among his awards are the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the Exemplary Civilian Service Medal and the Distinguished Career Medal.  He has been active in groups sponsoring educational events to perpetuate the Lebanese heritage among immigrant communities around the world.  In May 2000, he was recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.  He is most active in the Maronite Catholic Church. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Maronite Foundation, a religious, educational and humanitarian foundation seeking to perpetuate the traditions of his church and culture. He also serves on the boards of directors of many non-profit and profit corporations. In January 2014, Mr. Salem was recognized for his lifetime of achievement as a visionary leader by the National Apostolate of Maronites. He was also recognized by Pope Francis I with the highest award granted a lay person, Pro Eccllesia et Pontifice (For Church and Pope).

A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Mr. Salem is a 1965 graduate of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.  He is married to Samia Ayoub, and has two children, Christopher and Nicole.  They reside in Orange County.

Philip A. Salem, M.D., Honorary Member, Houston, TX

Dr. Philip A. Salem, physician, researcher, educator and international statesman in cancer medicine, serves as Director Emeritus of Cancer Research at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston and is the President of Salem Oncology Centre. Prior to his appointment at St. Luke's, Dr. Salem served on the faculty of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center as professor of cancer medicine and research.  In March 2010, St. Luke's announced the establishment of a cancer research chair in his name to honor his contributions to cancer medicine and as "a lasting tribute to his leadership and vision in the field of oncology".

Dr. Salem is the recipient of many awards from all over the world for his contributions to cancer research. In the early 1970's he was one of the first researchers to demonstrate that a chronic infection in the intestine may eventually lead to the development of cancer. His work on Immunoproliferative Small Intestinal Disease (a form of intestinal cancer), and the relationship between infection and the development of intestinal cancer has become a classic in modern medicine.

He is an active member of the top three cancer organizations in the world: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO).  In the last 15 years he was selected annually in the editions of America's Top Doctors by Castle Connolly. Because of his stature and impact on cancer research, he was invited to serve on the editorial boards of several prestigious cancer research journals.

Besides his contributions to medicine, Dr. Salem has made major contributions to America.  In the early 1990's he served on a healthcare advisory committee to the White House. In 1994 he received the Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom, and in 1998 he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his "exceptional humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to American science". In 2006 he was honored as 'The Scientist of the Year' by the National Italian Foundation for the Promotion of Science and Culture, and he was decorated in a special ceremony held in Rome, Italy.

Dr. Salem is a renaissance intellectual and writer. He is the author of many editorials on Lebanon and he has published extensively on Arab affairs. In the year 2000, he was awarded the Khalil Gibran International Award by the Arabic Heritage League in Sydney, Australia. In May 2000 he was selected the  'Arab American of the Year' by the Arab Community Centre for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, Michigan. On July 1, 2010 The Lebanese American University in Lebanon bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters for his "contributions to medicine, Arabic literature and philosophy". For the same reasons, another Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters was bestowed up him by the Notre Dame University of Lebanon on July 12, 2013

Five books have been published about Dr. Salem:  In July 2004, a book in Arabic entitled, "Philip Salem - The Man, The Homeland, The Science", authored by Peter Indari, an Australian journalist, was launched. In December 2012 a book in English entitled "Cancer, Love and Politics of Hope - the life and vision of Philip A. Salem M.D." authored by Frances Mourani and Boutros Indari was published by Quartet Books in London. In January 2013, a book in Arabic entitled "Philip Salem the Rebel, the Scientist and the Humanist". Authored by Maha Samara, a Lebanese journalist was published in Beirut by Dar Al Saqi and Dar Annahar. In July 2014 a book entitled: " Philip Salem: Healing the body, Healing the Soul" by Antoine Noujaim was published in Beirut, Lebanon. In November, 2014, A new book entitled " Philip Salem: by their Pens", Edited, by Assaad Khoury, published in Beirut, Lebanon.

Religious Support Committee

o    Representing Metropolitan Joseph Zahlawi- Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese- Englewood, NJ: Father Theodoros Daoud

o    Representing Patriarch Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim- Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch- Eastern United States: Father Fady Abdulahad

o    Representing Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian- Armenian Apostolic Church- La Crescenta, CA: Father Karekin Bedourian

o    Representing Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan- Armenian Apostolic Church- New York, NY: Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian

o    Representing Bishop Mikael Mouradian- Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg- Glendale, CA: Father Thomas Garabedian

o    Representing Bishop Nicholas Samra- Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy- Newton, MA: TBA

o    Representing Bishop Mar Barnaba Yousif Habash- Syriac Catholic Diocese in the US and Canada- Bayonne, NJ: Father Nimatullah Abdulmaseeh Butrus

o    Representing Bishop Gregory John Mansour- Eparchy of Saint Maron- Brooklyn, NY: Chorbishop Seely Beggiani, Ph.D. & Father Rodolph Wakim

o    Representing Bishop A. Elias Zaidan- Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon- Los Angeles, CA: Father Charles Khachan, Ph.D.

Representing Metropolitan Joseph Zahlawi- Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese- Englewood, NJ:
Father Theodoros Daoud

Reverend Father Theodoros Daoud was born in Lebanon in 1966. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in History in 1994 from the University of Lebanon, he completed a 2 year seminar in Theological studies. He was ordained to the holy deaconate on June 4, 1995, at the hand of His Eminence Elias Korban, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Tripoli and Koura in Northern Lebanon. He served as a deacon in Lebanon until Metropolitan Korban ordained him into the holy priesthood on December 20, 1996. From 1999 to 2004 he served as a parish priest in Rio De Janeiro and Brasilia, Brazil. In 2002, he was elevated to Archpriest in Brasilia, Brazil, at the hand of his Eminence Damaskinos Mansour, Metropolitan of Brazil, and his Eminence Boulous Bandaly, †Metropolitan of Akar Lebanon.

While a priest in Brazil, Fr. Theodoros enrolled in the St. Stephen’s Course in Orthodox Theology through the Antiochian archdiocese of North America, beginning his path towards graduate studies. In 2005, Fr. Theodoros left Brazil to serve in the Antiochian Archidocese of North America, under omoforium of his Eminence †Phillip Saliba, Metropolitan of North America. In 2009 he was awarded a Masters’ in Theology from Balamand University, Lebanon. His Master’s thesis is entitled “Latinization of the East at the hands of the Crusaders”.

Since 2005, Fr. Theodoros has been the pastor of St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church in Hunt Valley, MD. He is fluent in Arabic, Portuguese and English and has some knowledge of French. In addition to this, he is gifted in Byzantine Chant and Byzantine music and can chant in all the aforementioned languages.

Representing Patriarch Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim- Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch-
Eastern United States:
Father Fady Abdulahad

Reverend Father Fady Abdulahad is the parish priest of St. Aphraim Syriac Orthodox Church of Washington DC. He received his BA in Theology, Philosophy and Anthropology, and his MA in Christianity Spirituality.

He lectured in Biblical studies and Christian leadership at St. Ephrem’s Seminary in Damascus, Syria. He currently resides in Alexandria, VA and can be contacted at saintaphraim.org.

Representing Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian- Armenian Apostolic Church-
La Crescenta, CA:
Father Karekin Bedourian

Reverend Father Karekin Bedourian was born in 1983 in Kessab, Syria with the baptismal name Hrair.  He received his primary education at Usumnasirats National School of Kessab.  In 1995 he enrolled at the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, from where he graduated in 2004.  During that time he was a member of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) and participated in numerous religious and youth conferences in Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, and Jordan.  He also served within the Prelacy of Lebanon for two years. From 2005 to 2008 he was the Choir conductor at St. Hagop Church in Ashrafieh, Lebanon, during which he completed courses for Sunday School teachers, youth Bible studies, and the study of rituals and hymns.  From 2006 to 2008 he followed Pastoral and Theoretical Theology at the Near East School of Theology (NEST).  He was ordained a priest on March 8, 2009 in Kessab, Syria, by H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and given the pastoral name Karekin in memory of His Holiness Karekin II of the Holy See of Cilicia, later Karekin I of Echmiadzin of blessed memory, who was also from Kessab.  From October 2009 until May of 2013 he served within the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States.  He studied Theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry From 2011-2013, from where he earned a Master's Degree in Theology.  In July of 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, appointed him Pastor of Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, California.  Fr. Karekin resides in Orange County, CA with his wife Sevan and their two daughters, Megheti and Nareh.

Representing Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan- Armenian Apostolic Church- New York, NY:
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian

Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. From an early age he showed a great interest in religion and church. He attended the Cilician Theological Seminary in Antelias from 1963 to 1971. He was ordained Deacon in 1968 by Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian, Celibate Priest in 1972, by Archbishop Ardag Manougian, he was bestowed the Fourth Degree of Vartabed in 1974 by His Holiness Khoren I, the Fourteenth Degree of Vartabed in 1988 by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern United States and Canada and in 1996 was honored to wear the Episcope Mitre on Feast Days by His Holines Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

His formal education included degrees in:

• Psychology from Haigazian College 1978
• Masters of Divinity (M.Div.)  from Near East School of Theology in 1983
• Masters of Theology (Th.M.) from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985
• Masters of Philosophy (M.Phil.) from Columbia University in 1992
• Doctoral Studies from Columbia University in 2003

Service to the Armenian Church: Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian’s service to the Armenian Church is extensive and covers a span of 30 years. He was served with great dedication in many capacities: Librarian at the Catholicosate, Lecturer at the Theological at the Theological Seminary, Staffbearer to His Holiness Karekin II, he was participated in Ecumenial meetings such as the World East Council of Churches (WCC) and Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), has published articles, translated several Armenian Church Fathers’ works from classical into modern Armenian and has compiled and printed the “Catalogue of the Armenian Manuscripts of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.”

In the United States: He served as Preacher at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia from 1984-1987, at Sts. Vartanantz in New Jersey from 1987 to 1988 and St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Douglaston from 1989 to 1991, he was Founder and Director of St. Gregory of Datev Institute since 1987 and religion instructor of Prelacy Siamanto Academy and Hovnanian Armenian Day School.

St. Sarkis Church: In September 1991, Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian became the Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. In 1994, he was elected Chairman of the Prelacy Religious Executive Council and the following year was appointed Vicar General of the Eastern United States. He has represented the Prelacy on numerous local, national and international occasions in different capacities. He was a Prelacy Member of the 1700 Anniversary Committee of the Proclamation of Christianity in Armenia and has organized youth pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Lebanon, Syria, Der Zor and Armenia. Very Rev. Tanielian was also appointed as the first Armenian Chaplain of the New York State Police.

As Pastor of St. Sarkis, Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian has devoted his attention to strengthening the Parish and creating activities beneficial to its growth and advancement, putting special emphasis on the needs of youth and senior citizens. His goal has always been to serve the Armenian people and its many spiritual, cultural and intellectual needs. Rev. Tanielian has been an exemplary spiritual servant fulfilling his many responsibilities with great dignity, devotion and determination. In 1998, the parishioners of St. Sarkis Church celebrated Father Anoushavan’s Twenty Fifth Anniversary of consecration of Priesthood.

Bishop Anoushavan: In May 2005, Very Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian left St. Sarkis Church and became full time Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy. On June 4, 2006, he was ordained Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

Representing Bishop Mikael Mouradian- Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg- Glendale, CA:
Father Thomas Garabedian

Reverend Father Thomas Vartan Garabedian, JCD, was born in Jbeil, Lebanon in 1973. Upon finishing his Philosophy and Theology studies in Rome, Italy and in the USA, he was ordained a priest of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg in the USA and Canada in 2003. From 2003-2005, he was the Rector of St. Ann’s Armenian Catholic Cathedral in New York, NY. From 2005-2007, he was Pastor of St. Vartan’s Armenian Catholic Parish in Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, he was named Vice-Rector of the Pontifical Armenian College Seminary in Rome, Italy a position he held until 2011, at the same time pursuing his Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law. In 2012, after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation in Rome, he was named Pastor of St. Ann’s Armenian Catholic Church in Flushing, NY. On October 1st, 2014, he relocated to Glendale, CA (the seat of his Eparchy as of 2012,) where he is assuming the duties of Chancellor of the Eparchy, having been named to that position by Most Rev. Mikael Mouradian as of June 2014.

Representing Bishop Nicholas Samra- Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy- Newton, MA:
TBA

Representing Bishop Mar Barnaba Yousif Habash- Syriac Catholic Diocese- Bayonne, NJ:
Father Nimatullah Abdulmaseeh Butrus 

Reverend Father Nimatullah Abdulmaseeh Butrus was born on November 1^st, 1977. He finished high school in Iraq in 1997. He graduated with a BA degree in Philosophy from the College of Arts – Mosul University in 2001.

He joined the community of Saints Cyprian and Justina, Kfifan Monastery where St. Nimatullah Kassab Al-Hardini and St. Stephen Nehme of the Lebanese Maronites were entombed on January 9^th, 2004. He made his monastic profession of vows for the Syriac Congregation of St. Ephrem in 2010.

He has a license in Theology (equivalent to the canonical Baccalaureate in Theology) from the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Holy Spirit University in Kaslik, Lebanon, in 2010.

His Beatitude Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan ordained him as priest on April 14^th, 2011. He is in residence at Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese in United States in 317 Avenue E, Bayonne, NJ 07002 since 10/01/2013. 

Representing Bishop Gregory John Mansour- Eparchy of Saint Maron- Brooklyn, NY:
Chorbishop Seely Beggiani, Ph.D.

Chorbishop Seely Beggiani was born in Youngtown, Ohio, in 1935.  He completed his undergraduate studies at John Carroll University and Borromeo Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio.  His graduate studies were pursued at the Université St. Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon, and the Catholic University of America, where he received his doctorate in theology in 1963.  He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood for the Maronite Church in 1961, and he taught undergraduate theology and sacred scripture at St. Johns college in Cleveland and John Carroll University from 1962-1967.  Since 1967 Chorbishop Beggiani has been Rector of Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary in Washington D.C., and Adjunct Associate Professor of Religion and Religious Education at Catholic University of America.  He was honored with the rank of Monsignor by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and ordained Chorbishop by Archbishop Francis Zayek in 1986.  President Gemayel of Lebanon awarded him the National Order of the Cedar in 1988.  The author has written a number of books and articles on theology.  His most recent work is Early Syriac Theology.

Representing Bishop Gregory John Mansour- Eparchy of Saint Maron- Brooklyn, NY:
Father Rodolph Wakim

Reverend Father Rodolph Wakim, a native of Lebanon, was born in 1964.  He arrived in New York at age 23 and supported himself while studying at Brooklyn College.  In 1992, he entered the Maronite Seminary of Our Lady of Lebanon in Washington, D.C.  He was ordained in 1996.  His first assignment was at St Anthony Church in Falls River, MA.  In 1997, he served as pastor of St. Elias Church in Roanoke, Va., for almost 10 years.  In 2007, he was transferred to Our Lady of Victory Church in Pittsburgh, PA. where he is still serving today.  Fr. Rodolph has a Master’s Degree in Theology.  He is fluent in Arabic, French, English and Spanish.  He was a chaplain of the Knights of Columbus for over 10 years. He is on the board of the MYO (Maronite Youth Organization).  He is the Protopresbyter of the Mid Atlantic West Region of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn and a member of the Presbyteral Council.

One of Fr. Rodolph’s favorite quotes: "I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”. 

Representing Bishop A. Elias Zaidan- Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon- Los Angeles, CA:
Father Charles Khachan, Ph.D.

Reverend Father Charles Khachan was born in Ebreen, Batroun District, North Lebanon. He joined the Order of the Maronite Lebanese Missionaries in 1992. After receiving a degree in Theology from Holy Spirit University in Lebanon, Fr. Khachan was ordained to the priesthood on July 4, 1999. Fr. Khachan served as administrator of Middle School at Cadmous School in Tyre in South Lebanon between 1999 and 2003. In December 2003 He moved to the United States and served as associate pastor at St. Maron Church in Cleveland, OH until 2006. During that time he received a Master’s Degree in Education from John Carroll University. Between 2006 and 2011 Fr. Khachan served as associate pastor at St. George Church in San Antonio, TX. In 2012 he became pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon in Lombard, IL. In October 2013 Fr. Khachan returned to serve as pastor of St. George Church in San Antonio, TX. Fr. Khachan is finishing his doctoral degree in education at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Bishop Elias Zaidan appointed Fr. Khachan as coordinator for CLFW/Project Roots for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles.

General Support Committee

o    Sharon Abercia, Houston, TX

o    George Akiki, San Francisco, CA

o    Mireille Eid Ayoub, Los Angeles, CA

o    Nada Nassar Baaklini, Washington, DC

o    Salim Butrus, M.D., Washington, DC

o    Attorney Joey Chbeir, Birmingham, AL

o    Pierre Chelala, Cleveland, OH

o    Ray Hachem, M.D., Houston, TX

o    Nadim Haddad, M.D., Washington, DC

o    Amine Harb, Orlando, FL

o    Fredrick Hayek, M.D., Canton, OH

o    George Jabbour, Ph.D., McLean, VA

o    Karim Jaude, Los Angeles, CA

o    Attorney Richard Karam, San Antonio, TX

o    Adib Kassis, Manhattan, NY

o    Joseph Maroun, San Francisco, CA

o    Eunice Mazloom, Washington, DC

o    Imad Mufarrej, M.D., Washington, DC

o    John Nassar, D.D.S., Las Vegas, NV

o    Attorney Philip C. Nessralla Jr., Brockton, MA

o    Nick Shwayri, Richmond Hill, GA

o    Haleem Zihenni, Scarsdale, NY

Sharon Abercia, Houston, TX

Sharon Abercia is Senior Trader at Tri-Coastal Energy Partners, LLC, Houston, Texas area.

Former president and current board member of the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs, Inc.

George Akiki, San Francisco, CA

George Akiki leads Strategic Planning and Operations for Cisco Services. George is a change agent whose 15-year career at Cisco spanned multiple leadership roles in areas facing rapid transformation. George held various roles in engineering with titles spanning from Technical Manager to Director of Program Management & Operations and acted as Chief of Staff on many leadership teams.

Akiki also led Strategic Planning for Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility and was sponsor representative for Cisco’s Impact investments in the MENA region. His stint in Corporate Affairs was triggered by initially being selected to lead “Partnership for Lebanon” initiated by the CEO John Chambers which later evolved into an International assignment to lead CSR for Middle East and Africa which included building scalable, replicable, & sustainable solutions to help the people of the region find the path to long term stability and economic growth.

This allowed for a firsthand experience of the human side of Cisco which has made him an avid believer in the power and importance of corporate social responsibility and the effect of Impact investment on economic development and job creation.

Prior to joining Cisco, George served as director of program management at Ramp Networks preceded by engineering management roles at Nortel (Bay) Networks. He received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Graduate electrical engineering degree from Ohio State University, and an MBA from Golden Gate University. 

Akiki is co-founder and President of LebNet, a Lebanese American high tech professional society in Silicon Valley. In 2011, George and his family relocated back to the USA following a 3-year assignment in Lebanon.

Mireille Eid Ayoub, Los Angeles, CA

Mireille Eid Ayoub was born as the youngest of 4 children to Maroun Eid and Rosette Farhat. Maroun Eid stemmed from Bikfaya, and Rosette had her roots implanted in Hammana. Although Mireille grew up in Achrafieh, she kept both Bikfaya and Hammana close to her heart.

Mireille attended Ecole Soeurs des Saints-Coeurs and later received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Joseph University. Mireille spent numerous years working with the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Organization in Beirut.

In 1981, Mireille married Elias Ayoub, and emigrated to Cypress, California. They have 5 children: Rosana, Diana, Tamara, Nassif-Marc and Fahed-Noel. Mireille has been a strong driving force behind her childrens’ education; she has dedicated her life to ensuring that they were instilled with the same values she was taught by her parents: values of family, education, and faith.

Mireille has been very involved in chairing many church events, such as many Mar Maroun celebrations for the Our Lady of Mt Lebanon Cathedral and the NAM Regional Convention in Los Angeles in 2009. In 2011, Mireille and Elias were honored to receive the Knight and Dame of St. Gregory. Mireille loves participating in cultural events and enjoys spending summers in her hometown in Lebanon.

Nada Nassar Baaklini, Washington, DC

Salim Butrus, M.D., Washington, DC

Attorney Joey Chbeir, Birmingham, AL

Pierre Chelala, Cleveland, OH
Born in Lebanon, arrived in Cleveland Ohio on January, 30th 1980. Graduate of Cleveland State University with a bachelor of science in business administration. Married with 3 children. Currently president and CEO of Global Financial Corp. specializing in sub-prime auto loans. Member of National Independent Dealers Association (NIDA), member of the (BBB), 2009 quality of the year dealer honoree. Board member of (HSUF) Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USA). Has been very active in the local community. Early on, he recognized that Northeast Ohio had a significant Lebanese Christian community who were members of one of the three churches in the area. Independently, the members of these churches did much to support the local community, recognizing that if the whole community could be brought together, they could form a more effective group and do more good work for the community. He helped form an organization to bring the community together so that all of the Lebanese Americans in the area could maintain, celebrate, and pass along their traditions and beliefs and offer their sons and daughters all of the positive aspects of their heritage, and perform civic and charitable works in the area. He served as the first President of NOLAA and continues to serve actively on the board of the organization.

Ray Hachem, M.D., Houston, TX

FIDSA. is a Professor of Medicine and Director of Extramural Education Program in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee health at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Dr. Hachem earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His M.D. was received from the University of Santiago, where he also completed his internship. Dr. Hachem joined M. D. Anderson in March 1988 as a fellow and currently he serves as Principal Investigator on a number of protocols. He has received numerous national scientific and professional honors. He is also a Co-Inventor on several U. S. patents which have been granted. Dr Hachem has authored over 150 peer reviewed articles published in prestigious journals such as New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Infectious Diseases, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, and Cancere. Dr. Hachem is currently examining new strategies for the management of device related infections by lock therapy or coating catheters with unique antiseptic combinations. Dr. Hachem served as the chairman of the Division of Internal Medicine Research Committee.The national president of the American Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA).The director of the World Institute of Medical Education (WIME). He also serves on the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Institutional Research Grant (IRG) Committee, and the Ad Hoc Committee of the Infection Control Committee for the Prevention of Fungal Infections. He is an active member of the Harris County Medical Society, Texas Infectious Diseases (TIDS), American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Nadim Haddad, M.D., Washington, DC

Dr. Haddad completed his fellowship training at Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Haddad specializes in curative techniques for reflux disease utilizing the latest techniques in endoscopy including Endoscopic Ultrasound, Stretta, and wireless capsule technology. Dr. Haddad has completed research studies involving oncology and GI cancers. His experience includes teaching positions with Yale University and Georgetown University.

Amine Harb, Orlando, FL

Amine Harb, President of Harbco, has over 25 years’ experience in the Construction, Engineering and Land Development Industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil

Engineering, a Professional Engineer license and is a certified General Contractor.

Actively supporting both his profession and community, Amine has served as President of different non-profit organizations.

Because of his dedication, Mr. Harb has received several awards and recognitions, including The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great.

Amine, along with his wife Paula and three sons, resides in Orlando Florida.

Fredrick Hayek, M.D., Canton, OH

Dr. Fredrick Charbel Hayek is a first generation Lebanese-American. He completed his primary education in Canton, Ohio.  However, he went to high school and University in Lebanon. He graduated from the American University Of Beirut in 1974.  He then went to France for his first year of Medicine at the University of Marseille, and completed his Medical training for the next five years at the University Of Rome, in Italy. After that, he returned to the United States for his residency and post graduate medical training at Youngstown, Ohio, and in Chicago, Illinois.

He has been a practicing physician in Ohio for the past 28 years. During this time, he was involved in numerous clinical and pharmaceutical studies, and participated in staffing medical practice improvement, and quality assurance committees, as well.

Having spent much of his formal education in Lebanon and abroad, he was increasingly aware of the important role Lebanon played in the Middle East. He believes the uniqueness of the country stems from the Christian presence there. If it were not for the Christian presence, the area, and Lebanon in particular would be a vastly different place.

We take it for granted the singularity of Lebanon. Dr. Hayek studied and read many books and anthologies about the history of Lebanon, and specifically those of mountains of Lebanon and came to realize early on that the aspirations and battles that were waged were those of freedom.

George Jabbour, Ph.D., McLean, VA

Dr. George Jabbour is the Associate Dean for Executive Education, Professor of Finance, and Director of the Masters in Finance Program at The George Washington University School of Business. He has been a consultant and conducting professional training for the World Bank Group in Washington DC (USA), Vienna (Austria) and Islamabad (Pakistan), for The International Training Banking Center in Budapest (Hungary), the Center of Excellence in Management in Kuwait, and for Kipco Asset Management Group (KAMCO) in Kuwait. He was a Visiting Professor at Franklin College in Lugano (Switzerland), Dongseo University (South Korea), Holy Spirit University-Kaslik, and Sorbonne University in Paris (France). He developed curriculum for BBA and Msc degrees in business and finance. He has several publications in professional refereed journals. He co-authored “The Option Trader Handbook” for trade adjustments. His research papers were presented in the US and around the world. He is a member of several leading professional finance organizations He is a member of the editorial advisory board of two journals. Four of his co-authored papers won the best paper award. He has received several Teaching Excellence Awards. He participated in the Forum for Democracy and Development in Doha (Qatar), in the Education without Borders and the Festival of Thinkers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (United Arab Emirates.) In addition to his academic career, Dr. Jabbour is very active in equity and derivatives trading. He was Senior Financial Analyst at Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and a consultant to several American corporations and international organizations. He is Managing Director of Global Asset Management Inc., President of Global Finance Associates, Inc; Advisor to the CEO of NGP V Real Estate Fund, and a Board member of Energy Research Solutions. He has a Ph.D. in Finance, an MBA in Finance, a BBA in Marketing, and BS in Mathematics.

Karim Jaude, Los Angeles, CA

Founder, President/ CEO at KAJ Financial Corp/ Dynamics Capital Group.

Karim Jaude, your partner in real estate, has founded and operated 19 successful companies in 8 countries. He made his first million by the age of 26, buying and fixing up distressed properties and businesses.
For over 40 years, Karim has developed, invested, financed, brokered, managed, and consulted in real estate properties in 8 countries.
Karim enjoys tennis, skiing, reading, traveling and is passionate about helping others.
Most importantly, for almost 40 years, Karim has committed—and never failed—to help at least one person every single day.

Attorney Richard Karam, San Antonio, TX

Birth: 5-31-43, San Antonio; 2nd generation Lebanese-American; Ancestral Village, Father, Mazaraat Et-Toufeh; Mother, Beirut and Amchit. Education: Rice U., Houston 1961; U. of Houston, B.S. In Pharmacy 1967; St. Mary’s U. School of Law, JD 1973 - Magna Cum Laude. Licensed: TX State Bar, 1973. Admitted: TX state courts, U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th and 11th Appellant Circuits; U.S. District Court, Western District TX; U.S. Tax Court; TX; TX Board of Pharmacy, Inactive status. Legal Memberships: Fellow, TX Bar Foundation; Member, San Antonio Bar Foundation, San Antonio Bar Assoc.; Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity; State Bar of TX; Board of Director, St. Mary's University School of Law Alumni Assoc. 1985-1988; Recipient, AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, 15 consecutive yrs. Legal Practice - San Antonio: King, Joseph & Bacuum 1973-1975; Nicholas & Barrera 1975-1980; Karam, Naranjo & Kruger 1980-1992; Law Office of Richard J. Karam 1992-Present. Family: Married 1975 to Peggy Bahia Anawaty, Houston; 2 children: (1) Jessica, 36, Attorney, married to Brian Thomas Oley; 2 children, Jude Thomas, age 4, and Margaret Brin, age 7 mos.; & (2) Joseph R. Karam, M.D., 35 single, completing 5th year surgical residency, UAB. Religious: St. George Maronite Catholic Church, San Antonio; Parish Council & Stewardship since 1973; Member, Eparchial Stewardship Council, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, 2001 - present; Legal counsel, St. George Maronite Church (since 19750), Eparchy of Our Lady Of Lebanon & Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn. Recipient of the Maronite Patriarchal Award, 1999, Silver Massabki Award, 2002. Organizations: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, National Committee Member, 1999-2002; Board of Directors/Governors, 2002-2012; Emeritus Director/Governor, 2012-Present. Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs: Executive Board, Vice-President, 1991, President, 1992. Southern Federation Foundation, Inc.; Trustee/Governor, 2003; President, 2008-Present. President and Director of several business and nonprofit corporations, including: Maronite Research Institute, Director 1996 - 2005; International Maronite Foundation, 1997 - present.

Adib C. Kassis, Manhattan, NY

An MBA graduate from St. Joseph’s University in Lebanon.

Recipient of the following honors:

- Ellis Island Medal of Honor 1997

- St. Gregory the Great Commander title in 1997, awarded by His Holiness Pope John Paul II

- Cross of Jerusalem 1997 by Patriarch Hakim

- Lebanon Presidential Order of the Cedars 2004 

And many more…

Adib serves on the following boards:

-National Ethic Coalition of org. sponsor of Ellis Island Medal of Honor

-St. Nicholas Home –New York

-Rene Moawad Foundation –Washington

-American Arab National Museum – Michigan

And others.

Joseph Maroun, San Francisco, CA

• Lives in Menlo Park, California

• Presently manager of 4 LLCs: Dough Ave. LLC, Azour LLC, Sfaray LLC, Harissa LLC

• Thirty-eight years in the baking industry with three major plants on the West Coast

• Was on the advisory board of the JFK School of Government, Harvard for 8 years

• Was on the Board of Trustees at LAU in Lebanon for 13 years

• Presently on the advisory board of the Buck Institute (Research on Aging), Novato, California

• Began as an aviator with the FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) and Pan American for eight years

• Majored in Aeronautical Engineering at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

• Studied at the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics and graduated with a commercial pilot, instrument rated, multiengine and air transport rating.

Eunice Mazloom, Washington, DC

BS in Facilities Management from Cornell University, 1990. Lives with husband and three children in Arlington, VA. A Volunteer for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for 18 years. Serves on the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) Leadership Council for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Imad Mufarrij, M.D., Washington, DC

Dr. Imad Mufarrij is a clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and co-director of the minimally invasive surgery fellowship at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He is also the director of OB/GYN education and clinical clerkships at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is active in the field of women's health and lectures nationally and internationally on a host of subjects in the field.

 Dr. Mufarrij is past president of the Washington Chapter of the American University of Beirut Alumni Association. He co-founded and co-chairs "Min Ajl Lubnan" at the University of Maryland, an organization focused on the dissemination of the works of such masters as Khalil Gibran and Amin Rihani in the United States. He also serves on the board of directors of the American Foundation for Saint George Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon. Dr. Mufarrij served on the governor's commission for women's health in Maryland. He is the recipient of several excellence in teaching awards. In 2007, he received the Montgomery county executive's community service award. He is listed among the top doctors by Checkbooks magazine, among America's top OBGYN's by The Consumer Research Counsel of America and as one of Washington's top doctors by Washingtonian Magazine.

John Nassar, D.D.S., Las Vegas, NV

Attorney Philip C. Nessralla Jr., Brockton, MA

Philip Nessralla resides in Brockton, Massachusetts. He is a graduate of the New England School of Law and maintains a private practice in the Boston area. He is also the City Solicitor of Brockton, the chief legal advisor of the fourth largest municipality in Massachusetts. He also serves on several boards of charitable groups and is a member of various Lebanese organizations.

Nick Shwayri, Richmond Hill, GA

Haleem Zihenni, Scarsdale, NY

Haleem Zihenni received a papal award from Pope John Paul II for his support for St. Ignatius Maronite Church in Dayton Ohio.

He is president of the building fund committee (from its inception in 2008 to present) for the Maronite Mission in Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County, New York.

Haleem raised $1.5 million for the acquisition of the Immaculate Conception Church in Sleepy Hollow; anticipated to close on said purchase in June 2014.

Mr. Zihenni personally funded and built a brand new church: Mar Abda Church, in Toula, Batroun, at a construction cost of $3 million. The construction started in 2005 and was completed in 2010.

Party Support Committee

o    Ahrar: Milad Zohrob

o    Independence Movement/ Harakat Al-Istiqlal: Joseph Moura

o    Kataeb: Joe Rached

o    Lebanese Forces: Gustave Cordahi

o    Marada: William Franjieh

o    Ramgavar Party (Armenian Democratic Liberal Party): Raffi Balian, M.D.

o    Tashnak (Armenian Revolutionary Federation): Vahe Bozoyan, Ph.D.

o    Tayyar: Joseph Khalil, D.D.S.

Ahrar: Milad Zohrob
President of the American Lebanese Coalition, a lobbying group consisting of 4 major American Lebanese grass roots organizations.

President of the Assembly for Lebanon, a grass roots organization in Michigan.

President of Ahrar North America.

Publisher of Voice of Freedom newspaper in Michigan.

Background: Grew up in Lebanon. Immigrated to the United States in 1977 during the Lebanese war with the PLO. Immediately got involved in community activities and was a founding member of the American Lebanese League, an umbrella organization that represented the majority of Lebanese Americans. Was on the executive committee for several years.

Education: Bachelors of Business Administration, the American University of Beirut; Masters of Business Administration, University of Detroit.

Independence Movement/ Harakat Al-Istiqlal: Joseph Moura
Joseph Moura is American Lebanese; he has been in the United States for the last 14 years. He came from Zgharta, North Lebanon, and is a member of the Rene Moawad Foundation in the USA. He represents the Independence Movement (Harakat el Esteklal). The movement started registering the Lebanese in 2009. So far, they have registered over 600 in the USA and in Australia, and are still working on more.

Kataeb: Joe Rached
Founder, president and CEO of Mobility Express dealer division.

Coordinator of Lebanese Kataeb party, USA.

President of the Church pastoral council of Saint Peter and Paul, Tampa, FL since 2003.

Joe grew up in Lebanon, spent his early years at College Saint Joseph Antoura.

Taught for 3 years in Beirut before he emigrated to the United States of America, where he was the regional manager of AFLAC insurance company for many years before he founded MOBILITY EXPRESS in 1992.

In the last 10 years, he donated more than 60 scooters, power chairs and wheel chairs for many foundations related to handicaps in Lebanon.

Lebanese Forces: Gustave Alain Cordahi
Gustave Alain Cordahi is an expert in Transportation Engineering and Planning who currently works as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington D.C. with clients that include various national and Federal agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). He holds a Master of Science in Transportation Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley (2008) on top of his Bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with distinction from AUB (2007) and his Research Experience at MIT in 2006. Additionally, Gustave is a co-founder and the current Executive Director of the "Back to Roots" Summer Academy program in North America, an Assistant Director at the Lebanese Information Center (LIC) in the US Capital as well as the Secretary of the Greater Washington D.C. AUB Alumni (WAAAUB) Chapter. He also was the Vice President of the Lebanese Student Association at Berkeley as a Graduate Student. Gustave received a Research Fellowship form U.C. Berkeley in 2008, and two awards from AUB in 2007: The Penrose Award for the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA), and The Distinguished Graduate Award for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Besides being placed on the Dean's Honor List during all his semesters at AUB, Gustave maintained an on-campus activism as the President of the AUB Social Club; and as a Member-at-Large of Outlook's Editorial Board as well as Co-Editor of Outlook's Arabic Supplement. Moreover, Gustave was awarded the Special Recognition Award at the 5th FEA Student Conference for his paper titled "Ethics and FEA". Gustave spent his early years at College Saint Joseph, Antoura where he earned both the Lebanese and the French Baccalaureates with distinction in 2003.

Marada: William Franjieh
William Franjieh was born in Lebanon and stayed in Lebanon during most of the war. He got married and eventually moved to Athens, Greece, where he worked at CCC in the computer department. He later immigrated to the Unites States of America. In the mid 90's, William returned to Lebanon. He was blessed with three children who are now all attending University. Currently, William and his family live in Massachusetts. He is working as a Real Estate Agent and in the Trucking business.

Ramgavar Party (Armenian Democratic Liberal Party): Raffi Balian, M.D.
Harout Raffi Balian was born in Beirut, Lebanon.  He attended New High School and AGBU Hovagimian- Manoogian Boys School.  He went to medical school in Yerevan, Armenia and completed his residency at the University of Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Following the devastating earthquake in Armenia in 1988, he became Medical Director for the Pediatric Rehabilitation Program in Yerevan established by Project Hope in 1989.

In 1993 Dr. Balian and his family moved to the USA to join the vibrant Armenian community of California. He established a private practice in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Pasadena in 1996 and continues to this day. He has also undertaken the Medical Directorship of the Acute Rehabilitation Unit at the Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale California since 2011.

Dr. Balian has been an active member of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, (Ramgavar), since 1973 and has served in different administrative positions throughout the past forty years.

He is presently a member of the Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the ADLP, Western District. Dr Balian is Chairman of the Armenian Rights Council of America, Western USA. He is also the administrative director of the Nor Or Weekly newspaper, established in Fresno, California in 1922.

Tashnag (Armenian Revolutionary Federation): Vahe Bozoyan, Ph.D.

Tayyar: Joseph Adib Khalil, D.D.S.

Joseph Khalil moved to the Washington DC area in 2003 where he is a practicing dentist in Arlington and Oakton in Virginia. He moved to the US at the age of 18 in pursuit of education and political freedom. As a child and teenager he was an active member of the Scouts Du Liban organization and a volunteer at the Lebanese Red Cross, both of which had major impact on his upbringing and deepened his love for a free and prosperous Lebanon. His dream of joining the military academy was shattered when he had to leave Lebanon due to political persecution, as was the case of many young Lebanese college students in the early nineties. An activist at heart, he never missed an opportunity to work and lobby for a democratic and free Lebanon. He was a member of the Lebanese American Council for Democracy, a lobbying group for an independent and free Lebanon. Among his interest is learning more about the Maronite history and heritage, hence his support for Project Roots and the CLFW. He is married to Jennifer and has two sons Christopher and Michael. When he is not seeing patients, he enjoys reading, traveling, photography and cycling.

Marketing and Media Support Committee

Marketing Sub-Committee:

o  Roy Abdo

o  Elie Bitar

o  Eunice Mazloom

o  Edward Salem

o  Joey Skaff

o  Abe Tannous

Roy Abdo

Roy Abdo is the Founder of Digital Revamp, a DC based marketing agency that focuses on small businesses.  A graduate of Johns Hopkins University with a Masters of Business Administration, Roy was born and raised in Beirut. He was attending a conflict resolution program in Greece in 2006 when the war between Israel and Hezbollah took place.  Unable to go back to Beirut, Roy moved to the USA to pursue his undergraduate studies and has resided in DC since then. 

Elie Bitar

Independent Internet Professional.

Washington, DC

Eunice Mazloom

BS in Facilities Management from Cornell University, 1990. Lives with husband and three children in Arlington, VA. A Volunteer for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for 18 years. Serves on the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC) Leadership Council for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Edward Salem

Cf. Board of Trustees

Joey Skaff

Joey Skaff married into the Lebanese community after getting her Master's Degree at Catholic University.  Joey has trouble saying "No" to volunteer activities so she has been very active in her children's school, the church, and now her grandchildren's events.  She is one of the founders of the American Friends of SESOBEL and was the treasurer for the organization for eight years. She loves design and is active in landscape design and floral design.  She produced award winning newsletters, yearbooks, and programs for her garden club for ten years. She now resides in Fairhope, AL and is involved with the local school and community.

Abe Tannous

Abe Tannous is publisher and editor-in-chief of Profile News, USA.

Media Sub-Committee:

TV/Radio Stations

o  Chadi El Hachem, OTV

o  Josephine El-Ghoul, Nour Al Shabab

o  Diana Fakhoury, MTV

o  Guitta Kiameh, LBC

o  Marie-Therese Kreidy, Télé Lumière

o  Vera Maalouf, Télé Lumière (USA)

o  Elie Moujaes, Nour Sat (and Al-Akhbar)

o  Father Elie Saadeh, Star of the East Radio

o  William Srour, Charity TV

o  Jean Tufenkji, MTV 

o  Rita Zihenni, ART America, The Bridge

Chadi El Hachem, OTV

Chadi El Hachem is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at OTV. Studied at ESIB, USJ.

Josephine Daher El-Ghoul, Nour Al Shabab

Josephine Daher El-Ghoul is the Director of Nour Al Shabab.

Josephine Daher, married to Father Valentino Dasilva El Ghoul - 4 children

Education:

- Ph.D. student in Journalism; concentration: Effect of Modern Technology on the youth.
- Courses in Theology and Theater

Profession:

- 24 years for Tele Lumiere in preparing and presenting programs. Currently occupies the position of Director of Nour Al Shabab, Television Channel from Noursat (2012 - present)

Achievements:

- Documentaries, programs, conferences, seminars, events.

- Coverage of synods (2010), pastoral visits of Patriarchs of the Middle East in Lebanon and abroad.

- Interviews with leaders and important personalities in political, economic, social and religious fields in Lebanon and abroad.

Diana Fakhoury, MTV

News anchor at MTV Lebanon.

Guitta Kiameh, LBC

Guitta Kiameh is a twenty year plus veteran journalist. She was a senior correspondent with the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) one of the Middle East’s premier satellite channels for more than 25 years. She was also a correspondent for Radio Vatican - English section- during the Lebanese civil war in 1986. She has been recognized for her coverage of some of the region’s main news events and the conflict in South Lebanon. She has received an Achievement Award for Women Rights Issues. She has also been assigned to cover news stories in Jordan, Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Europe, USA, Mexico, and Brazil.
She did meet during her career top leaders: Georges w Bush, Pope Jean-Paul 2 to name just a few.

Marie-Therese Kreidy, Télé Lumière

Marie-Therese Kreidy is Director of Programs of Tele Lumiere and Noursat TV Channels.

She is also director of Nour Kids channel.

Journalist, writer, producer.

President of Signis International Group: the World Association for Catholic Communication.

Jury member at International Film Festivals.

Researcher in Social Media and NGOs.

Active in many NGOs.

Municipal Council member.

Vera Maalouf, Télé Lumière (USA)

Elie Moujaes, Noursat & Al-Akhbar

Elie Moujaes is an effective member of Noursat, Canada and the director of Al-Akhbar newspaper.

Father Elie Saadeh, Star of the East Radio

Reverend Father Elie Saadeh, OLM, is a Monk of the Lebanese Maronite Order. He was ordained a priest in Lebanon in 2006 at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik. Father Elie served as a School Principal (Grades 2-12) at Central College, Jounieh from 2005-2007; then, he was sent by his superiors to Catholic University of America to continue his studies on 2007. In 2008, Fr Saadeh transferred to Villanova University in Philadelphia to continue his PH.D in Philosophy and received a full scholarship. Fr. Elie is writing his dissertation in Pragmatism and religion under the title of: “The Call to Believe and the ‘Weak’ God in William James’s Philosophy of Religion.” In 2009, Fr. Elie was assigned as a Parochial Vicar of Saint John Catholic Church, in Wallingford, PA with more than 1600 families to serve while continuing his studies. In 2011, Fr. Saadeh had a new assignment in addition to the first one, to serve the Maronite community in New Jersey at Our Lady Star of the East Maronite Church. In 2012, Fr. Elie founded the first Maronite Online Radio in the USA, Star of the East Radio (www.StaroftheEast.org). In June 2013, Fr. Elie was assigned to Our Lady of Lebanon, Maronite Church, Miami, FL. Fr. Elie is a poet and a musician; he has written and composed more than 15 religious hymns; and has taught at the ‘Path of Charity’ in Kaslik, Lebanon, and at Villanova University as an Assistant teacher.

William Srour, Charity TV

William Srour is the production manager at "Charity TV". Since 2012, he has played a key role in helping the newborn channel to grow up on the right track, along with the exceptional Fr. Jean Khalife (founder and general manager of Charity TV). He managed to combine experience in the business field with philosophical and theological education. He considers solving problems and complex situation as a hobby.

Married since 2010, William and his wife are waiting for their second baby girl. Besides his family and work, Mr. Srour is in the music field. He founded and conducts St. Paul Choir, and as a choir member, he participated in many international festivals in Lebanon and abroad.

Jean Tufenkji, MTV

Jean Tufenkji is Head of PR & Communications at MTV Lebanon-STUDIOVISION
May 2007 – Present.

Rita Zihenni, ART America, The Bridge

Media Sub-Committee:

Other

o  Tony AbiNajem, IM Lebanon Website

o  Georges Akoury, LF Website

o  Patrick Bassil, Tayyar Website

o  Tony Choufati, Houston Newsletter

o  Charlie Kadado, Lebanese Examiner

o  Anthony Merchak, 3alebnene.com

o  Samar Nader, Al-Mohajer Newspaper

o  Fadia Samaan, Jabalna Magazine

o  Monsignor George Sebaali, Maronite Voice

o  Abe Tannous, Profile News

Tony Abi Najem, IM Lebanon Website

Tony Abi Najem is Editor in Chief- www.imlebanon.org since foundation in June 2014. Editor in Chief- www.lebanese-forces.com from February 2007 till February 2013. Political Writer since 1995. Reporter- An Nahar newspaper from 1995 till 2010. Public Relations Manager- American University of Sciences & Technology from 2001 till 2007. Media Consultant for politicians & institutions since 1995. BA in Journalism BS in Political & Administrative Sciences.

Georges Akoury, LF Website

George Akoury, born in 1976, at Deir Al Ahmar, Bekaa- Lebanon, is the current Editor in Chief of the Lebanese Forces Official Website, after having accompanied the site since it was founded in 2007 as its Vice-Editor in Chief. After he graduated from the Lebanese University in 2000 with a degree in Political Science, he worked in the written, visual, and online media and radio. He began his journalism contribution in “Al Balad” newspaper in 2003 and moved to the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation “LBCI” in 2004 where he remained till 2009, working at the same time at Radio Free Lebanon “RLL” in 2006. From 2007 till 2009, he also worked at NowLebanon website as assistant editor in chief.

From 2009 until 2012, Mr. Akoury was News Producer at “MTV,” and he has been News Producer at “Future TV” since 2012. He has also written several articles and conducted enquiries at many newspapers and sites.

Patrick Bassil, Tayyar Website

Patrick Bassil is head of programming at OTV Lebanon and founder and head of www.tayyar.org.

Tony Choufati, Houston Newsletter

Tony Choufati lives in Houston, Texas. College graduate in computer science and a Master degree in Sociology. Very successful business man, decided to take on the challenge of writing. Sealed is his first book and his second book Incubus Immortal Seed was out summer 2003.

Recently listed in The Marquis Who’s Who in America fifty-seventh edition 2003.

Business Experience:

President and owner

P-M-T, LLC - Pain Management Therapy, LLC 

President and owner

Promoting & Marketing Consulting Group, Corp 

Sales Executive

Tuttle, Sullivan & Company, Inc 

Sales Director at IBM Corp for 25 years.

Social and Community Activities:

Currently WLCU-Houston Chapter President (Largest Lebanese World Wide Organization) World Lebanese Cultural Union
American Lebanese Secular & Cultural Center (ALSCC) President
Lebanese Americans Coalition of Texas (LACT) President – The only Lebanese PAC in the US recognized by the Federal government.
President & Publisher of the only Lebanese online Newsletter in Houston.
Project Roots Former Regional Coordinator for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Six years served on the Parish Council of the Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic church in Houston, Texas and secretary of the Knights of the Cedars.

Charlie Kadado, Lebanese Examiner

Charlie Kadado is a Lebanese-American author and journalist, and one of the nation’s youngest professional speakers.

Charlie is the author of “Sacrifice: Reporting in Kabul,” an award-winning novel loosely based on the true-life story of ABC Anchor Bob Woodruff. He also wrote and published children’s book, “Perry Finds His Talent.”

A former reporter for the world’s largest children’s magazine, Scholastic News, Charlie covered dozens of national news stories, including the 2008 and 2010 elections, the Haiti earthquake, and BP oil spill. He conducted a rare and exclusive sit-down interview with world-renowned anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall in 2012, which appeared on Scholastic News and on Discovery Channel. 

Charlie’s work has been featured in Scholastic News, Discovery Kids, Radio One, the Huffington Post, and AOL Online. He has made television appearances on ABC News, CNN Newsroom, and FOX Business News.

Charlie is also founder and managing editor of LebaneseExaminer.com, a 24-hour online news website providing breaking, business, lifestyle, entertainment, and community coverage for Lebanese-Americans nationwide.

Charlie is the recipient of the prestigious Call to Service Award from President Barack Obama, recognizing at least 4,000 hours of lifetime community service work. He also received the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, the Optimist International Oratorical Award, and a Special Proclamation from the State of Michigan for his service work. His book, “Sacrifice: Reporting in Kabul” received the 2012 Bookfield Creative Minds Emerging Author Award.

Charlie serves as Secretary for the Lebanese-American Club of Michigan (LACOM), a Board Member for Hospice of Metropolitan Detroit, and the Founder of the Lebanese-American Association of Media Professionals (LAAMP). Charlie is always looking for ways to preserve Lebanese-American heritage and help the people of Lebanon.

Anthony Merchak, 3alebnene.com

Samar Nader, Al-Mohajer Newspaper

United Nations anchor for NTV -Lebanon & RCI –Canada.
News Correspondent in the United Nations - Security Council.

Arabic Editor of Al-Mohajer Newspaper.

Fadia Samaan, Jabalna Magazine

On the 7th anniversary of her emigration to The US, Fadia Samaan launched, in July 2013, Jabalna Magazine, the first specialized online journal which covers the news, the activities, and the concerns of the successful and the talented Lebanese abroad. In addition to being their echoing voice, Jabalna Magazine is a virtual bridge which connects the Diaspora to its roots and motherland.

With more than a million visitors to her website per month (Lebanese and Lebanese descendants from all over the world), Fadia Samaan wishes to play a role in encouraging them to register in Lebanon and obtain the Lebanese ID, in order to vote in the Parliamentary Elections, and to participate in shaping the future of their Motherland.

She worked over 19 years as an editor, news anchor, and reporter in the Lebanese media (spent 11 years in Radio Orient and Future TV). She also worked as an editor in chief and column writer in many Lebanese-American newspapers and news websites.

In 2011, she launched, through Voice of Freedom Newspaper (Michigan), a campaign to enable the Diaspora to vote in the Lebanese elections, which she called “Lebnani meghtereb w baddi entekhib”.

Also, Fadia Samaan is a weekly guest on the Argentinean-Lebanese radio program “Watani”, which is popular among the Lebanese community in Argentina and Latin America, broadcast via Radio Papa Francisco. During the 30 minutes given to her on air, she talks mostly about the importance of the Diaspora to Lebanon and how the Lebanese expatriates can be a part of Lebanon’s Future.

Monsignor George Sebaali, Maronite Voice

Abe Tannous, Profile News

Abe Tannous is publisher and editor-in-chief of Profile News, USA.

Youth Support Committee

o    Ramzi Abiantun, CA

o    Carolyn Aboubechara, CA

o    Attorney Diana Ayoub, CA

o    Rayan Chahwan, DC

o    Julie Daccache, NC

o    Michelle Haddad, NJ

o    Nazih Khater, M.D., CA

o    Mira Merhi Khoury, DC

o    Julie Lattouf, MA

o    Attorney Charbel Moarbes, DC

o    Marwa Nouhra, FL

o    Rita Saikali, CA

o    Thomas Shiver, NC

o    Fady Talj, MD

o    Annie Tannous, MA

Ramzi Abiantun, CA

Carolyn Aboubechara, CA

Lebanese American, born and living in Sacramento, California, Carolyn Aboubechara works for the CA State Treasurer’s office and has a BS and an MBA degrees both with an emphasis in Finance. She is currently the elected Chairperson of the Council of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a new Maronite Catholic Church in Sacramento, after previously having been the elected Secretary of the Council for four years. Carolyn is a graduate of the Maronite Academy, Class of Georges Frem of 2013.

Diana Ayoub, D.D.S., CA

Diana Ayoub lives in Los Angeles. She has been an active member of many organizations dedicated to serving Lebanon, and its people. Diana is one of the co-founders of the Lebanese Collegiate Network, a non- profit organization that was built to connect and develop University Lebanese Clubs, as well as young professionals. Diana currently serves as a NAM Delegate, representing her home Parish, Our Lady of Mount Lebanon, in Los Angeles. Diana is an attorney, admitted to practice law in California.

Rayan Chahwan, DC

Born and raised in Lebanon, Rayan graduated in 2013 from the American University of Beirut, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Rayan was and still is a distinguished athlete, captaining various competitive sports teams while developing managerial skills, leadership skills and discipline. Soon after graduating, Rayan sought to consolidate his knowledge through various internships spanning most fields of the financial sector, including commercial, investment, and private banking. Rayan felt the need to further develop his skill-set by pursuing a specialized master’s degree in Finance, which he accomplished by enrolling in the M.S. in Finance at the George Washington University. As a current student, expected to graduate in August 2015, Rayan decided to make the best of his stay in the US by getting as much exposure and experience as possible. Currently working as a graduate and research assistant at GWU, Rayan also hopes to contribute positively towards this greater cause, broadening his experience with all this opportunity has to offer.

Julie Daccache, NC

Julie Daccache, a student from the 2014 Maronite Academy honoring the great Antoine Choueiry, was born in El Nammoura, Lebanon and moved to North Carolina, U.S.A. at the age of 9. She is currently a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro pursuing an International Business degree. She plans to use that degree and work for the United Nations in the future. Even though she lives in the United States, Lebanon holds her heart. Her goals are to one day live, work, and raise a family in our home country. She is excited and honored to be a part of such a great program with the CLFW. She believes that together we will make a great impact on Lebanon's future.

Michelle Haddad, NJ

Nazih Khater, M.D., CA

Dr. Nazih KHATER is a Urologic Surgeon, currently an attending surgeon in the Los Angeles area, California. He holds a full Unrestricted California Medical Board License to practice medicine. He was born in Paris, then came back shortly afterwards to Beirut where he was raised; after finishing school at the Jesuit “College Notre-Dame de Jamhour” in Beirut, Lebanon (class of 1996), he completed his medical school at USJ (St. Joseph University) and obtained his Medical Diploma in 2003. He then completed his general surgical training in New York, then his urology residency at the American University of Beirut AUB, and came to Loma Linda University Medical Center in California in July 2014, practicing Robotic Urologic surgery, and minimally-invasive endourologic surgery (Accredited EndoUrology and Robotic Fellowship). Dr.Khater is a lecturer and has travelled to several cities around the world to give conferences and podium presentations. He has numerous online publications as a first author in the field of Urology and likes academia, teaching residents and medical students.

Dr. Khater’s hobbies are classical piano (Diploma from the Conservatory), winter skiing, tennis, and traveling.

Dr. Khater is highly attached to his Lebanese roots and widely connected to the Jamhour Alumni, in addition to the USJ and AUB Alumni and the California Lebanese community, which will help him develop connections among young Lebanese professionals, university students and Lebanese families, fortifying their connections through the solid CLFW, to incite all Lebanese descendants to register in Lebanon and make sure they preserve their Lebanese heritage. 

Mira Merhi Khoury, DC

Mrs. Mira Merhi Khoury is the Advisor to the Executive Director who represents the Middle East countries on the Board of Directors at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Prior to joining the IMF in 2009, Mrs. Khoury worked for a year at the World Bank in Washington DC. Before moving to DC, she worked at the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade for more than 6 years, first as an economist and then as an advisor to the minister. Ms. Merhi graduated from Paris II Pantheon-Assas in 2000 with a master’s degree in International Economics. 

Julie Lattouf, MA

Born and raised in Massachusetts. She is a first generation Lebanese American. Both of her parents fled Lebanon in hopes of a better future and building a family. Growing up she would travel to Lebanon for a summer vacation to visit her aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. At a very young age she was attached to the beautiful country her parents called home. She attended the University of Massachusetts Boston, studying Business Management and Marketing. Today, Julie is looking to develop her career and hope to return to Lebanon to open a business.

Attorney Charbel Moarbes, DC

Charbel Moarbes is the managing Partner of Moarbes LLP, a law firm with offices in Beirut, Washington, D.C., Panama and Mauritania. He is involved primarily in the representation of Fortune 500 companies, corporate clients and foreign sovereigns. His practice concentrates on international dispute resolution through international arbitration and litigation. He has substantial experience with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes and its Additional Facility, other international arbitral proceedings involving States, as well as commercial arbitral fora including AAA/ICDR, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the London Court of International Arbitration. He holds a J.D. and LL.M. from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon, coupled with a LL.M. from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. He is a frequent speaker on issues pertaining to international law and held conferences at the United-States Senate, the George Washington University Law School, American University Washington College of law and the American Society of International law. He is member of the New York and Beirut Bars. Mr. Moarbes is a board member of different organizations including Archeoact, Rifaq el Darb, Joy of Giving, Mauritanian Development Corporation, and Solidarius.

Marwa Nouhra, FL

Marwa was born in Jbeil-Byblos, Lebanon. In 2001, when 8 years young, the whole family moved to the States. She lived in Boston, MA and was essentially raised in Tampa, FL after moving there a couple years later. She finished high school in 2008, studied as a Dental Assistant and graduated in 2010. Later, she became a Certified Orthodontic Assistant. Marwa's free time consists of volunteering and helping around, especially at Sts. Peter and Paul Mission-Tampa, from working with the kids, teaching Dabke, planning events, and being part of the Maronite Young Adults. Marwa's main objective, since her trip to Lebanon with CLFW (Class of Antoine Choueiry, 2014), is to educate, cherish, and fulfill her goal to voice out her pride in Lebanon and register all Lebanese descendants. 

Rita Saikali, CA

An Enthusiastic young woman from Mieh W Mieh, Lebanon, Rita grew up in Lebanon and moved the United States at the age of ten. Since then, she has been a California resident. Rita attended the University of California, Riverside and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis on Film. Currently, she is working on her own television show called “The Word With Rita” as well as a phone application called “IGOD Today”. Rita is heavily involved in Christian media and strives to spread the Good News to all who are in need of it.

Thomas Shiver, NC

Fady Talj, MD

Born in Beirut Lebanon in 1988 in a bomb shelter. Moved to Maryland U.S.A. at the age of ten. Graduated from University of Maryland in May 2012. Studied Social Psychology. Since then, traveled the world, and experienced many different cultures. He even taught English in China for half a year, then he realized that the more he travels, the deeper he falls in Love with Lebanon. Some places are just home.

Annie Tannous, MA

Annie Tannous is a Lebanese American born and living in Boston. With a career as a Registered Nurse, she always had a passion for helping and assisting people in a variety of ways. Upon completion of the Maronite Academy Class of 2014, Annie discovered a personal devotion to assist the Lebanese diaspora to find that meaningful connection to their heritage. She is eager to work alongside the CLFW and her comrades to preserve our Lebanon.

•       American Lebanese Cultural Center (ALCC) (Bill Haidamous)

•       American Lebanese Policy Institute (Joseph Hage)

•       American Lebanese Secular Cultural Club (ALSCC) (Tony Choufati)

•       Chicago Lebanese Club (CLC) (Tony Ziade)

•       International Christian Union (ICU) (Joseph Hakim)

•       Lebanese American Club of Jacksonville (Elie Assi)

•       Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) (Charlie Kadado)

•       Lebanese American Coalition of Texas (LACT) (Tony Choufati)

•       National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) (Eli Ayoub, M.D.)

•       Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association (NOLAA) (Pierre Chelala)

•       Orthodox Liqaa’ (Michel Baida)

•       Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs (Sharon Abercia)

•       United Cedars Foundation, MI (Walid Korkmaz)

•       World Lebanese Cultural Union– aka World Lebanese Union (Atef Eid)

•       World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) (François AbouNaaman)

TESTIMONIALS  (Click to either read or write testimonials about our team members)

Director:
Nada Salem Abisamra

Regional Coordinators:

o    Roula Jamhouri, (Region Covered: CA, MT, WY, CO, ID, UT, WA, OR)

o    Nathalie Maroun, (Region covered: FL, TN, GA, AL, MS)

o    Najib Rached, (Region Covered: OH, PA, IN, WV, KY + Buffalo, NY)

o    Josephine Sfeir Bassil, (Region Covered: DC, MD, VA, DE, NC, SC)

Campaign Managers:

o    Maria Abrahamian, Los Angeles, CA

o    Ramzi Georges, Phoenix, AZ

o    Bill Haidamous, Houston, TX

o    Charlotte Jabbour Neller, Tulsa, OK

o    Charlie Kadado, Detroit, MI

o    Jean Karam, Las Vegas, NV

o    Maroun Khater, San Diego, CA
o    Eliane Mouawad, Los Angeles, CA

o    Fadia Samaan, Philadelphia, PA

Nada Salem Abisamra, Director

Nada is a passionate and highly motivated person who is committed to excellence and innovation, and will do anything to get any challenging job very successfully done. She is a pioneer in web page creation and design and has an energetic, dynamic, and proactive approach to working. She has outstanding communication skills that she puts to use on a daily basis. Nada is an expert in assessment and evaluation to reach objectives (needs analyses). She has conducted a lot of research on team work, emotional intelligence and leadership skills, which she always strives to incorporate in the work environment.

Nada combines several skills that enable her to be highly successful in any endeavor she undertakes: leadership, technology, web page design, social media, photo editing (Photoshop), publishing (yearbooks and yearEbooks), communication, language fluency (in 3 languages), creative thinking, teaching, assertiveness, empathy, win/win thinking, friendliness, competence, production efficiency, hard work, organization, marketing, and public relations skills. In addition, Nada believes in every person’s need to be humble, hence to know their limits, seek advice, and ask questions, without forgetting to often recognize and praise the members of their team.

Nada holds a bachelor’s degree in languages (Arabic, French, English), a teaching diploma, and two master's degrees, one in Translation (Attestation de Maîtrise, from Saint Joseph University, USJ) and another in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (from the American University of Beirut, AUB). She is now working at The George Washington University, GWU, towards a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Technology Leadership (http://nadasisland.com/doc/ ).

Nada taught English for 15 years both in school settings (College Notre-Dame, Jamhour & the American Community School at Beirut) and in college settings (Saint Joseph University, USJ). She currently teaches at the GWU Graduate School of Education an online Methods Course for Teachers of Foreign Languages.

In 1998, Nada created and designed a website titled “Nada’s ESL Island” (www.nadasisland.com) which has more than one million visitors and has won several educational awards (The Busy Educator's Award, the Web English Teacher Outstanding Resource award, three Golden Web Awards, and an Academic Excellence award). Nada also created a related group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nadasisland/ where she always shares information and ideas for teachers and students.

Nada gave, in schools and universities and at different national and international conferences, several workshops related to integrating technology in the classroom, emotional intelligence, team building, webpage design, peer mentoring, motivation, and learning strategies. She produced an award-winning 250-page centennial yearbook in 2006.

In September 2006, Nada became the administrative director of the Master of Science in Finance Program at GW School of Business and received an Appreciation Award in June 2008. She remained their Assessment of Learning Coordinator until May 2014, dealing with accreditation issues.

Nada was the executive director of Project Roots under the leadership of Bishop Elias Zaidan (2011-2013). She created the website and social media pages, organized the work, and worked with the regional coordinators spread throughout the US. In August 2012, Nada became the Executive Director of the Maronite Academy (www.maroniteacademy.org) which she created from scratch based on the vision of the Maronite Foundation’s board members. She recruited 100 students from all over the world, gave them, along with four other instructors, five online courses about Lebanon which determined who would be selected to go with the Maronite Academy on a fully-covered educational trip to Lebanon in summer 2013.

Nada was appointed Director of Project Roots in October 2013 and Director of The Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World (www.clfw.org) towards the end of November 2013, when the organization was established.

“I hope that a day will come when we will all be proud of our Lebanese roots; a day when it will be much easier to persuade Lebanese descendants to register their life events in Lebanon; a day when all Lebanese descendants all over the world will unite and, relentlessly, spread the word about registration among their friends and relatives, on their websites and social media, on TV, in magazines and newspapers… everywhere, demonstrating that they do understand how important their Lebanese roots are to them, to their identity; how important it is for them to tie their roots to their present and future; and how crucial it is for us all preserve our pride in our Lebanese roots.

I salute all the people who believe in our cause and who have been helping us tirelessly to bring it forward! THANK YOU!”
Nada Salem Abisamra, Houston Newsletter, May 15, 2015

Roula Jamhouri, Regional Coordinator (CA)

Roula distinguishes herself with a joyful character, a positive attitude, and professional work ethics. She keeps a constant line of communication to consistently submit timely and exceptional work based on her well-researched queries on the subject at hand. Her active communication skills include, but are not limited to, working independently to ensure work completion, in a timely manner. Her academic background in legal studies confirms her meticulous execution with an unmatched eye for detail. On a personal level, Roula is outgoing and enjoys a high level of social and emotional intelligence, which makes her a true public servant.

Nathalie Maroun, Regional Coordinator (FL)

Nathalie Maroun was born on September 6, 1978, originally from the mountainous village of Akoura, Lebanon but raised in Jbeil, Lebanon. Graduated high school and attended Centre International Des  Sciences Technique college (CIT) and graduated with an accounting degree in 2001, in 2003 got married to John Maroun and moved permanently to the United States. She lived in Ohio for six years before moving to Tampa, FL in 2010. 

After 2003 Nathalie’s main focus became her home and family, she was blessed with two children Andrew (9) and Julian (7). Along with being a full time mom Nathalie also managed to study, work, and volunteer. She attended Hillsborough Community College Tampa, FL (2012) where she Gained 25 credits of general Business courses maintaining a 4.0 GPA, at the same time worked as an office manager at CAS automotive service keeping company financials, running payroll, managing inventory, venders and accounts receivable/payable. Nathalie does not shy away from giving back to the church, she has been volunteering at Saint Peter and Paul mission in Tampa, FL teaching Arabic and bible classes to children of first and second grade, also worked on multiple committees and was very active in planning the 2013 National Maronite Convention (NAM). Nathalie is fluent in Arabic, English and French, she has great communication skills, and she has a nickname as the mayor of Tampa, she is well known and loved by the Lebanese community.

When she has free time Nathalie loves to bake and read. Since June of 2013 Nathalie has joined Project Roots as a regional Coordinator covering the south east. This has been a true passion and mission for her to encourage Lebanese descendants to stay connected to their roots and beloved Lebanon.

Najib Rached, Regional Coordinator (OH)

Najib Rached was born in Hammana, Lebanon, in 1965. He has a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Lebanese University. Came to the U.S. in 1988. Owns compound pharmacy, clinical marketing company, and gas station. Married to Rola and has with her 3 beautiful children (Sharbel, Rabecca, and Christian).

Najib supports Auxilia; he started the chapter in Cleveland, Ohio in 2002. President of The American Foundation for Auxilia, Board member of Saint Maron Church Council. Member of NOLAA (Northern Ohio Lebanese American Association). Regional Coordinator for CLFW/Project Roots. Loves life, enjoys travelling and smoking cigar.

Josephine Sfeir Bassil, Regional Coordinator (DC)

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Josephine Sfeir Bassil has been CLFW/Project Roots’ regional coordinator for the Washington DC area since 2011. She currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and three daughters. 

Josephine is an active member of her community, participating in her children's respected PTA. Josephine does a wide range of community service, avidly participating in programs such as Volunteer Fairfax and the Lorton Community Action Center. With her family, Josephine is an active member of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church in Washington DC. 

From 1995 to her arrival in the US in 2004, Josephine held a variety of positions at ADCOM Bank in Lebanon, formally as an Assistant Director. From 2007 to 2011, Mrs. Sfeir Bassil exercised her bachelor’s degree in business as the Administrative Director for B-Model Inc. Outside of CLFW/Project Roots, she currently  is a freelance translator, primarily into Arabic; she has been working with S.A.I.C. since 2012.

Maria Abrahamian, Campaign Manager, Los Angelos, CA

Maria was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1979. Her family moved to the U.S. in 1986 where she attended and graduated from Manoogian-Demirdjian Armenian School. In 2002 she graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Political Science, then attended the California School for Culinary Arts from where she received an A.A. in Culinary Arts in 2003. In 2005, Maria began working at the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, where she is the Communications Officer. In her spare time, Maria enjoys reading. Although she is only a quarter Lebanese, she has deep love for her birth country and is proud to be Lebanese-Armenian.

Ramzi Georges, Campaign Manager, Phoenix, AZ
Ramzi was born in 1971 in Beirut. He earned his engineering degree and business management from Carleton University in Canada. He is a registered engineer in multiple states and a member of AFMA (Certified Floodplain Manager). He has been working in the field of Civil engineering since 1995, in several countries. He is currently a group leader in a national engineering firm.

Ramzi volunteered his time in the past to be on the board of his church, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Phoenix; he has also been on the board of the Cedars Club in Phoenix. He is involved in many activities that provide support for the community.

Bill Haidamous, Campaign Manager, Houston, TX

Charlotte Jabbour Neller, Campaign Manager, Tulsa, OK

Charlie Kadado, Campaign Manager, Detroit, MI

Cf. Media Support Committee

Jean Karam, Campaign Manager, Las Vegas, NV

Maroun Elias Khater, Campaign Manager, San Diego, CA

Born in Saghbine Lebanon

Birth Date: 1969

Moved to San Diego in 2012

Major: Business Administration

Profession: Business owner

Eliane Mouawad, Campaign Manager, Los Angeles, CA

Born in Chiyah, Lebanon.
Graduated as Graphic Designer from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik-USEK .
Worked for a year in advertisement.
Established her own business as wedding/event planner.
Married to Sam Mouawad. Moved to Los Angeles, CA, and mother of two boys, Mir and Roy.

Straight descendant from the Ghassanids Royal family; Representing the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan in Los Angeles.
Holding the position of Executive Secretary and a board member in WLCU, Los Angeles Greater Chapter.
Campaign Manager for Los Angeles Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World-CLFW.

Fadia Samaan, Campaign Manager, Philadelphia, PA

Cf. Media Support Committee