Executive Board

 Hussein Berry,  President
 Wadad Abed, Vice President
Yasser Al-Soofi, Treasurer
Edward Bagale, English Secretary
Amal M. Berry-Brown, Arabic Secretary
 David Allen , At-Large
Aoun Jaber, At-Large
Andrea Awada, President Ex-Oficio

Board of Directors

Ramzi Chraim
Amal David
Rasha Demashkieh
Dennis Denno
Charlene Elder
Paul Good
Wassim Mahfouz
Hassan Makled
Mike Makki
Linda Mansour
Wafa Salah
Hussien Shousher
William Swor

Emeritus Board Members

 Ali Baleed Almaklani
Barbara Aswad
Linda Hallick
George Khoury
Noel J. Saleh

Executive Board

Hussein Berry is the President of the ACCESS Board of Directors. Mr. Berry is a Real Estate Broker and a Trustee on the Dearborn Area Board of Realtors, serving as their leader in 2008. He was elected to the Dearborn School Board of Education in 2009, and also serves as a Trustee for Henry Ford Community College. Mr. Berry is one of the founders of the Dearborn Youth Football Association in 2000 and currently serves as Chairperson. Mr. Berry is a member of the Dearborn Goodfellows.

Hussein is married to Nada who teaches in the Dearborn School District. Mr. Berry is a father of four boys, one girl and recently became a grandfather. “If a person has the opportunity to serve his/her community, they should. I have always served the community in the capacity of serving its future; our youth.”

Vice President

Wadad Abed, an independent strategic marketing consultant, has more than 25 years experience in strategic and operational marketing supporting both industry and not-for-profit clients.

In addition to her professional work, Ms. Abedhas been involved in issues dealing with peace and social justice both within the U.S., and around the world with special focus on the Middle East.

Ms. Abed is currently on the board of directors of the University Musical Society (UMS), where she co-chairs its Education and Audience Development committee. She also sits on the executive committee of the board of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), and serves as its treasurer. Ms. Abed is a co-founder of Bustan al-Funun Foundation for Arab Arts in America whose mission is to promote understanding and appreciation between the peoples of America and the Arab world through supporting the creation, development, and presentation of Arab and Arab American arts. Ms. Abed was born in Nablus, Palestine and immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1968. She resides in Ann Arbor, MI.

Treasurer

Yasser Al Soofi has been involved with ACCESS since childhood. The last ten years as a board member. Yasser is a graduate of Wayne State University and provides Insurance and Financial services to his community. He is actively involved in community affairs and assisting other organizations such as YABA to help serve the needs of the community. Yasser resides in the city of Dearborn with his wife and five children.

English Secretary

Edward J. Bagale, Vice Chancellor for Government Relations at The University of Michigan-Dearborn, has served as the University’s chief government relations officer since 1985. He represents the University to public agencies and elected officials in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and local governmental units and agencies throughout Southeastern Michigan.

With approximately forty years of advocacy work in higher education, Mr. Bagale has served as Director of Admissions at The University of Michigan-Dearborn and as Associate Director of Admissions & Scholarships at Oakland University.

He has spoken at numerous national conferences on topics involving the ramifications of term limits, improved marketing, and productivity models for regional universities. Mr. Bagale received national recognition for his innovative incentive- and merit-based scholarship programs. Most recently, he has provided leadership to collaborative efforts to establish an Automobile National Heritage Area and promote sustainable development throughout the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

From 1983-84, Mr. Bagale served as district administrator for Congressman Sander Levin.

Mr. Bagale serves as a consultant and special assistant to the president of The Henry Ford, where he has worked to build partnerships among the museum community and various sectors of the education community, including inner-city schools and higher education.

Mr. Bagale serves on the boards of directors of –

• The Dearborn Community Fund
• ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services)
• American Arab Chamber of Commerce
• MotorCities/Automobile National Heritage Area Partnership
• SEMCOG - Ann Arbor to Downtown Detroit Rapid Transit Steering Committee
• The Michigan Humanities Council

He is Vice Chair of the Henry Ford Hospital and Health Network Board of Trustees, and Co-Chair of the Rouge River Gateway Partnership. As well a Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Mr. Bagale holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics and management from Oakland University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit.

Arabic Secretary

Amal M. Berry-Brown is a vice president and the National Arab & Chaldean Business Affairs Manager for Comerica Bank. She serves as a liaison for Comerica Bank, Inc. with the Arab and Chaldean American community on a national level. Ms. Berry-Brown is responsible for developing and implementing Comerica Bank’s commitment to diversity in the Arab & Chaldean American market as well as maintaining and developing banking relationships within the community. She is also the Co-Chair of the Arab & Chaldean American Initiative Team for the niche marketing campaign in Michigan. Ms. Berry-Brown also serves as the Corporate Representative for the National Association of Women Business Owners, and Greater Detroit Chapter, whose mission is to support and empower women business owners in the greater Detroit area.

Ms. Berry-Brown has more than eighteen years experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Comerica in February 1999, she was a branch assistant manager in Detroit for NBD Bank, now Chase Bank.

Ms. Berry-Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Michigan.

Ms. Berry-Brown was named the Arab American of the Year in Finance in 2007 from the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and the Arab American Professionals Network for her success in serving as a mentor and role model for young Arab Americans. She received the prestigious honor of “40 Under 40” by Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine Class of 2008, which recognizes high potential leaders in the community who are under 40 years of age. Ms. Berry-Brown is also a recipient of the Diversity Business Leader Award by Corp! Magazine’s 2008 Salute to Diversity Leaders for her efforts and commitment to diversity and bettering our community.

Among her professional and community activities, Ms. Berry-Brown was appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to serve the citizens of Michigan on the Michigan Public Educational Facilities Authority, she is member at-large on the executive board and former vice president of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), she serves as second vice chair of the executive board of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and is the treasurer of the executive board for Child’s Hope, a child abuse prevention non-profit. In addition, she also serves on the advisory council for the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC).

Ms. Berry-Brown is also a member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, the Arab American Institute and a Patron member of the Arab American National Museum. Ms. Berry-Brown is the former host of an Arab American community cable program, Strictly Live, and periodically appeared as a guest host on Arab Network of America (ANA), a national broadcasting network.

At Large Board Members

David J. Allen of Wayne County Circuit Court has served in the felony criminal trial court since his appointment to the position by Governor Granholm in December of 2003. He is also an adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Law.

Judge Allen obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan before graduating first in his class from the Detroit College of Law in 1993. Judge Allen practiced law for ten years, most recently with Allen Brothers, PLLC that he formed with two of his brothers, before being appointed to the Court by Governor Jennifer Granholm.

Judge Allen is the proud father of three sons and is married to Dr. Colleen Allen. He is a member of the Boll Board and the Metro YMCA Board.

Aoun Jaber was educated at the Arabic University of Beirut in Geography and Education. In 1978, he immigrated to the United States. Shortly thereafter he became active in the community by joining ACCESS. The goals and mission of ACCESS resonated with Mr. Jaber’s own personal beliefs.

Currently, Mr. jaber works as a small business owner in Detroit. He is also an Arabic language instructor at Wayne State University where he graduated with a Master’s degree in Bilingual Education in 1983 and a Master’s degree in Near-Eastern Studies in 2009. To this day, he remains an active member in the community with his involvement not only within ACCESS, but other various organizations.

President Ex-Officio

Andrea Awada-Zeaiter is currently the principal of the new, state-of-the-art, Geer Park Elementary School in Dearborn, Michigan. Ms. Awada-Zeaiter led the Geer Park in receiving a grade of “A” from North Central Accreditation. Ms. Awada-Zeaiter has served the Dearborn Public Schools for twenty-nine years in various capacities including teacher, counselor, consultant and administrator.

She has been an ACCESS Board member for over twenty years, and has served as President on the Executive Board for two years. Other board affiliates include Executive Board of AAUW (American Association of University Women), the YWCA, and has served on the Allocation Panel as well as the Board of Review for the United Way. Recently, she has been asked to serve on the Community Service State Committee chaired by the First Gentleman, Dan Mulhern. 

Board Members

Ramzi Chraim is a product development engineer at Ford Motor Company. He has worked on leading technologies such as Hybrid vehicles, clean diesel trucks, and is currently working on fuel cell technology. Mr. Chraim holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Wayne State University, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Richard Devos Graduate School of Management. In addition, Mr. Chraim owns and manages local small businesses. He is also a local community activist.

Gregory L. Clark is vice-president of external affairs for AT&T Michigan. Mr. Clark, who has worked at AT&T in various positions for 24 years, began serving AT&T in this position in May 2007. As vice-president of external affairs, Mr. Clark is responsible for working to maintain AT&T’s presence in the communities the company serves by working with locally elected officials and supporting the community through grants and other support.

Prior to taking his new position, Clark served as General Manager - Network Planning and Engineering, leading a team of Network Planners and Engineers in the planning and implementation of new capacity and technology into the AT&T Central Office Networks in Michigan and Ohio. Additionally, Mr. Clark has served as General Manager of AT&T’s Hi-Capacity Data Networking organization, which provisions and maintains data circuits for business customers. And prior to that, he was Director of AT&T’s Network Operations Center, which provided round-the-clock monitoring and restoration of AT&T’s backbone networks in Ohio and Michigan. Mr. Clark earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Computer and Communications Science, and a Master of Science in Corporate Finance, with distinction, from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration. In addition, Mr. Clark serves on the board of Operation Able of Michigan, where he has served two terms as Board Chair, two terms as Board Vice-Chair, and chair of the Development committee. He has also served the United Way of Southeastern Michigan as a member of the asset allocations committee.

Amal K. David is a native of Nazareth, Israel (Palestine), Dr. Amal Khalil David demonstrated great courage and independence when, in her late teens, she journeyed alone to the United States. Little did she realize what an important role model she would become for other young Arab women who wanted to seek similar educational opportunities abroad.

In a remarkably short time, Dr. David achieved her educational goals, receiving her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.--extraordinary accomplishments considering language, cultural, and financial hurdles. Her strength in the face of adversity and her ability to overcome obstacles are all familiar to those who have known her for years.

There is another side to Dr. David, a side brimming with ambition and talent that has enabled her to steadily advance in her chosen field of education. Her social interaction skills and willingness to help individuals and institutions are hallmarks of Dr. David’s personality. Her participation in community organizations portrays a positive image of today’s Arab women.

As an early activist with the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Dr. David orchestrated a membership recruitment campaign in 1984 and 1991. For her efforts, she was recognized by ADC founder and former Senator James Abourezk. In 1991 she was presented with the Educator of the Year Award at ADC’s annual banquet. In 2001, she and her husband Warren David were selected as the recipients of the Alex Odeh Memorial Award at the ADC National Convention. Recently, Dr. David founded and assisted in the development of the Dr. Martin Luther King scholarship program which has become an annual event of ADC Michigan.

Her friendly voice still echoes in the ears of her Arabic-speaking listeners as she was the host of the acclaimed Hayatuna Fi Detroit (Our Life in Detroit) radio program. A woman of character that gently balances her kind, caring nature, strict adherence to high ethical standards, and extraordinary efforts to blaze new trails--Dr. David indeed serves as a role model for Arab women in the United States. As the Bilingual Program Supervisor for the Detroit Public Schools.

Dr. David monitors compliance of the legal mandate of bilingual education, supervises instruction in the classroom, initiates strategies and implements various programs that impact the educational progress of all English Language Learners in the Detroit Public Schools system. Dr. David is currently on the Advisory Board of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and the Board of Directors of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). She formerly served on the Board of Trustees of New Detroit.

Dr. Amal David is the devoted wife of Warren David and the mother of two daughters, Zayna and Ameera.

Rasha Demashkieh received her formal education in Damascus, Syria. She moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1975 and attended Wayne States University, School of Pharmacy and Allied Health and graduated with a Bachelor in Science in Pharmacy in 1979.

She and her husband have three daughters, Maria, Lena and Sarra. Maria, their oldest, is a dentist and lives with her husband Rami Kaakaji a physician, and their daughter Hana in Northville, Michigan. Lena lives in London, England where she is employed at Goldman Sachs. Their youngest daughter Sarra is currently a junior at Duke University.

She has had the honor to participate in several volunteer activities in Port Huron where she lives. Her main interest has been and remains furthering the education in all its forms.

She was elected trustee of the Port Huron Area School District in 2003, and was reelected in 2007. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Board.

Committees include: the Instructional Development Committee, the Finance Committee and the Technology Committee. She is also a part of several activities such as the Science Club initiatives as well as the Art Appreciation programs. She has worked on facilitating field trips to the Arab American National Museum for the seventh graders at Chippewa Middle School.

Other local volunteer activities:

St. Clair County Medical Alliance treasurer for multiple years Festival of Trees volunteer benefiting Port Huron Hospital Committee volunteer, Port Huron Museum Festival of International Cultures, multiple years President Town Hall Series, 1995-1997 served on committee multiple years Chair, Port Huron Hospital Wismer Center Opening Gala-2001 American Heart Association Heart Ball co-chair 2002 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award recipient 2005 Visiting Nurse Association Board of Directors Mercy Hospital, Mission Services, Performance Improvement, committee to the Board member-2006-2009

Wider scope activities: Arab American Medical Association Gala chair- 1994 Wayne State University "Ibn Sina" Fundraiser- 1999 Friend of the Arab American National Museum Gala committee, multiple years’ Arab American Syrian Arab Cultural Association board- 2008-20010

Dennis Denno is currently Chief of Staff for Michigan Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit). He worked for Senator Thomas for the past seven years and also spent one year as the Communications Director for the Michigan House of Representatives while Buzz Thomas was the Michigan House Democratic Leader.

Before working for Senator Thomas he worked as the Communications Director for the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP), and prior to working for the MDP he worked for state representatives in Lansing. Mr. Denno is also a Partner in the polling firm Denno Noor, LLC and has also worked on numerous Democratic campaigns, including the Michigan Obama-Biden campaign, Virg Bernero for Lansing Mayor, the 1996 and 1992 Michigan Clinton-Gore campaigns, and campaigns for various Democratic candidates throughout Michigan.

Mr. Denno earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from Michigan State University (MSU), is a lifetime member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association and is on the Advisory Board of the Arabic Language Instruction Flagship (ALIF) program at MSU. Mr. Denno has been active in the Michigan Democratic Party’s Arab-American Caucus, is a former board member of Governor Granholm’s Arab-American and Chaldean Advisory Council, the Michigan chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, as a founder and former President of the Greater Lansing Arab-American Social Services organization, and as a member of the Arab-American Institute’s Leadership Council. <

J. Joseph Diederich a Distinguished Military Graduate, Mr. Diederich served in the Department of the Army, Office of the Surgeon General, from 1969 to 1978, and has spent his entire career in healthcare. He is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. (OHI). Mr. Diederich provides leadership and management expertise in supporting the mission, vision, values, and standards for the care delivery system, which comprises four acute care hospitals, 1,307 licensed beds, 38 primary care/specialty care sites, two rehabilitation skilled nursing centers and a retirement complex; a $1 billion integrated delivery system. In addition to operating the company, he is responsible for integrating company strategies that affect affiliates, subsidiaries, new care delivery initiatives, medical staffs, Council of Chiefs, and Medical Executive Committees in OHI.

Mr. Diederich joined Oakwood from the University of Michigan Health System where he served in a variety of capacities for 21 years culminating in his assignment as senior associate director. Mr. Diederich led the transformation of the health system from a hospital-based system to a seamless, responsive delivery system with a 30-site regional ambulatory network consisting of five multidisciplinary hubs and 110 specialty/multidisciplinary clinics. He worked closely with the 1,000 member U of M faculty and has extensive experience in developing effective relationships with physicians.

Mr. Diederich is a member of the Oakwood Healthcare System Board of Trustees, the Oakwood Foundation Board of Trustees, the Oakwood Assurance Company Board of Directors, the Caymich Insurance Company Board of Directors, the VHA Central, Inc. Board of Directors, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Board of Directors (and is a member of the ACCESS Finance & Audit Committee), the Boy Scouts of America-Great Sauk Trail Council (Immediate Past President) Board of Directors, the Novation Board of Directors (and is Chairman of the Novation Compliance Committee).

Mr. Diederich has a Master’s of Science Degree from the University of Missouri and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Debbie Dingell is an active civic and community leader in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. and is a recognized national advocate for women and children. She recently completed a more than 30 year career at General Motors as a senior executive, where she headed the GM Foundation and public affairs. Mrs. Dingell is now chairing a new organization on manufacturing and helping to lead the newly formed American Automotive Policy Council.

Mrs. Dingell is also a national Democratic strategist, a member of the Democratic National Committee and has chaired numerous political campaigns. She currently chairs several boards, initiatives and committees and sits on numerous cultural, health, social services and civic boards in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. Much of her recent work has been focused on ethical issues and social responsibility as it relates to government and business. A known “bridge-builder,” she continues to promote and lead efforts toward greater understanding among the Detroit area’s Mideast community.

As a respected, bi-partisan voice, she is a regular contributor to the Fox News Channel, MSNBC, co-hosts “AM I Right” on the Detroit Public Television station, and is a regular roundtable Panel participant on WDIV’s “Flashpoint” as well as several other local media programs in Michigan and Washington, D.C. She is included in Washingtonian’s 2009 100 most influential women in Washington, DC and Detroit Crain’s listing of the 100 most influential women in Michigan.

Mrs. Dingell is married to Congressman John D. Dingell of Michigan.

Basim A. Dubaybo was appointed Chief of Staff at the John D. Dingell VAMC on January 23, 2005. Dr. Dubaybo received his Medical Education and Residency Training in Internal Medicine at the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. He later received training in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Dr. Dubaybo joined Detroit VA Medical Center and the affiliated Wayne State University School of Medicine in July of 1987 and became Professor of Medicine in 1999. He assumed a number of leadership positions in both institutions. At the John D. Dingell VAMC, prior to accepting the position of Chief of Staff, he was Assistant Chief of the Medical Service and Chief of the Medical Intensive Care Unit for several years. He also was in charge of the CPR Committee and ACLS Program. At the University, Dr. Dubaybo was the Director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program and Chairman of the Animal Investigation Committee. As of January, 2005, Dr. Dubaybo was appointed Assistant Dean for Veterans Affairs at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Dr. Dubaybo is an active member of several professional societies and organizations including the Michigan Society for Medical Research, American Thoracic Society, American College of Chest Physicians, European Respiratory Society, and Arab American Medical Association. As Chief of Staff, Dr. Dubaybo participates in programmatic planning and development at the medical center level. He is responsible for all areas of clinical care and supervises the medical staff. Dr. Dubaybo’s basic research interest is in the area of lung injury and repair, and his clinical research interest is in the area of medical ethics.

Charlene M. Elder was appointed in December of 2005 by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to serve as a Judge for the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. She was placed in the family division of the court, and hears cases concerning domestic relations. She assumed the bench in January 2006, and later that year retained her seat in the November election. In November of 2008 Judge Elder was re-elected for a six year term. Over the years, Judge Elder has handled hundreds of divorce and custody matters, personal protection matters, and more.

As a private practitioner she specialized in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. In 2003, Judge Elder was unanimously confirmed by the Dearborn City Council to serve as a judicial magistrate in the 19th District Court. She handled traffic offenses, small claims, and reviewed police search warrants in criminal investigations.

After graduating from Fordson High School, Elder attended the University of Michigan– Dearborn where she earned her Bachelor’s degrees in both English and Psychology. Later, Judge Elder attended the Detroit College of Law, where during her first year, she married long-time schoolmate, Azzam E. Elder. Mr. Elder is the Deputy County Executive for Wayne County. The couple has four children – Madina, Nozmi, Yasmine, and Adam.

Despite her busy schedule, Judge Elder finds time to stay active in the community. She is an ACCESS-Michigan board member, an Advisory Board Member for the ADC, an Advisory Board Member for the Wayne County Arts Council, a member of the Michigan Judges Association, and is an appointee to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Arab and Chaldean American Affairs. Recently Judge Elder was awarded Judge of the Year for 2009 by Moms and Dads of Michigan, and on May 12, 2009 was inducted into Fordson High School Achievement Hall of Fame.

Paul Good is Community and Government Relations Manager for the Detroit Zoological Society and works to build relationships for the Detroit Zoo by establishing partnerships and collaborations with local government and community-based organizations. In 2008, he played a strategic role in the historic public funding campaign that successfully passed a Zoo millage vote in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Before coming to the Detroit Zoo, Paul worked 17 years with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC), a nonprofit state and local government public policy research organization, were he first served as Director of Research and later as Director of Development. Prior to CRC, Paul worked for 15 years with SEMCOG, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments where he was responsible for demographic analysis of the seven county planning region, directed of the land use program and was responsible for long-range forecasts of population, households and employment for the region.

In addition to his professional work, Paul is a 20-year volunteer with United Way of Southeast Michigan working in a number of capacities including: directing strategic planning efforts to identify community needs assessments and participating in the Fund Distribution Process. Paul’s knowledge of nonprofits attracted Crain’s Detroit Business to recruit him to a team of experts that selected the Metro Detroit Nonprofit Organization of the year in 2008 and 2009. Paul is a graduate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a founder of Dearborn-based, Friends United.

Wassim Mahfouz is a native of Lebanon and graduate of the Islamic University of Lebanon in Beirut. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, and is currently working on his Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management at Eastern Michigan University. Since his days in Lebanon he has been involved in social work; he served as a volunteer rescuer for the Lebanese Red Cross. Upon his arrival in the United States, Mr. Mahfouz became actively involved in the Arab American community. For the past nine years, he has served as the Executive Director of the Lebanese American Heritage Club. He takes pride in helping to preserve, unite, and advance the future generations of the community. Mr. Mahfouz is currently serving as an Assistant for Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano. He joined the CEO team in January 2005. The areas under his jurisdiction include Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, Westland and part of Detroit. Mahfouz also serves on the board the Congress of Arab American Organizations, ACCESS/Domestic Violence Coalition, YABA, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and The United States Army Grassroots Advisory Board.

Mr. Mahfouz is married to Marci Mahfouz, and their happiness was fulfilled with the birth of their baby boy Rami. Mahfouz enjoys spending time with family and friends, and tries to travel as often as possible.

Mike Makki is the Director, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Recruitment and Staffing Service (VRSS). The VRSS handles recruitment and staffing efforts for every VHA facility in the country. The VHA consists of approximately 156 hospitals and 1000 outpatient clinics. Mr. Makki implemented a nationwide reengineering and realignment plan to help the organization reach its goal of conducting recruitment and staffing activities from a network of virtual office spread out across the country. The new model will helped the VHA process over 12,000 staffing actions and process more than 300,000 applications last year. The new organization has saved over 17 million dollars in its first year of operation. Prior to working for the VHA, Mike was the Chief of the DEU for the Veterans Benefits Administration. Finally, Mr. Makki spent over 13 years at OPM working on projects that encompassed just about every aspect of the HR world from classification to oversight.

He is happily married to Linda and has two wonderful children and has been part of the ACCESS family for more than 15 years.

Hassan Makled graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree to teach mentally challenged Children, March 1972.

Graduated from the Detroit Police Academy of Criminal Justice and certified by Michigan Law Enforcement Training Council, 1974.

Police Officer, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, 1974 – 1980

Dispatcher (1980 – 1982); developed policy and procedures for the department; assisted in rewriting the Airport Security Manual, and certified by the State Police to operate L.E.I.N. (Law Enforcement Information Network) machine.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport Operations Supervisor; in charge of the shift day-to-day operation; enforced airport rules, regulations and federal aviation regulations; also did E.O.D. (Explosive Ordinance Device) checks on the runways for Presidential visits and escorted the Presidents limousine on and off the airport, March 1982 - June 1986

Elected to the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of America and served as second vice chairman and comptroller, March 1988.

Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Department Manager V. - in charge of day to day activities of Airfield Operations; also found a permanent position to park Air Force I when the aircraft switched to a B-74 , June 1987 to April 1997

Edward McNamara presented Mr. Makled with an award given by The Federal Aviation Administration recognized Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport for initiating outstanding operational improvements that ensured the safest operational environment possible, while providing for maximum operational capacity, April 1996

Deputy Director of Operations; developed policies and procedures for Landside, Terminal and Airfield Operation, April 1997 – November 2002.

Director of Airfield Operations; developed policies and procedures for Airfield Operations; also developed manuals pursuant to Federal Aviation Regulations, November 2002 – September 2005.

During his thirty-two years with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Mr. Makled had the distinct honor of meeting President Ford, President Carter, President Reagan, President George H. Bush, President William Clinton, President George W. Bush, Nelson Mandela and Prime Minister Hariri. He also received special recognition from Airline Pilots Association, Secret Service, F.B.I. and White House Communications, and Mr. Makled also received the Airport Partnership Award from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Linda Mansour-Ismail Esq. is a senior partner in her own firm focusing on litigation, commercial transactions, immigration, human and civil rights, children and family law issues, employment, as well as domestic and international transactional matters. Prior to returning to her active law practice she served as the resident associate in charge of the Abu Dhabi office of the prestigious Chicago law firm of Sidley & Austin. Ms. Mansour acted as the legal consultant to multinational companies forming joint ventures and doing business in the United Arab Emirates and beyond. Ms. Mansour serves on various local and national civic, cultural, institutional and professional boards, aimed at serving her communities. She is known for her active role in a full range of Arab American and Palestinian civil and human rights issues in and out of the U.S. for over three decades. Linda is a public speaker and presenter focusing on a wide range of topics including, immigration, Palestine, interpreter services, diversity, international human relations and juvenile law issues.

Ron A. May, is senior vice president at DTE Energy, (NYSE:DTE) a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Mr. May is responsible for major generation and facilities construction and performance projects at Detroit Edison’s power plants, the new nuclear power plant development project, and development of renewable assets. Detroit Edison is one of three major business units of DTE Energy.

Mr. May previously served as Senior Vice President of DTE2, an enterprise resource planning project. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of Energy Distribution at Detroit Edison, responsible for engineering, operation, construction and maintenance of the company’s distribution and transmission system. Additional responsibilities included customer service, corporate facilities, and security. He also held a variety of nuclear leadership positions at Detroit Edison, including positions in materials management, maintenance, and administration. Prior to joining Detroit Edison, Mr. May was Vice President at Project Management Associates, a project controls consulting business. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Townsend and Bottum, Inc., a heavy utility construction business, including environmental equipment additions to Detroit Edison’s fossil generation fleet.

Mr. May earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Additionally, he completed graduate course work at Eastern Michigan University, Youngstown State University, and Pennsylvania State University. Currently, he is a member of the American Association of Cost Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Engineering Society of Detroit. May is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Presently, Mr. May serves as the chairman of the Oakland University School of Engineering and Computer Science Advisory Council, the Treasurer of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, while serving on the board of directors of numerous educational and civic organizations, including Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and United Way 2-1-1. Formerly, he was a board member and funding leadership of the Warren Conner Development Coalition, Crossroads for Youth, the United Negro College Fund, and Leadership Oakland. Mr. May received the Diversity Champion awards from the Birmingham-Bloomfield Diversity Task Force and the Detroit Chapter of the Association of Asian Pacific Americans and the 2007 Distinguished Leader Award from Leadership Oakland.

Cathy Mozham is Director, of Community Affairs, for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM).

Ms. Mozham has held a number of positions since joining the Blues in 1971, including Manager of Community Affairs; Director of Employee Communications; and Divisional Administrator of Corporate Communications.

Ms. Mozham has a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor College. She has completed the Advance Certification Program in Corporate Community Relations and Social Responsibility at Boston College. She is also an Aerobic Instructor and has completed the Certification Program at Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AAFA) in California. Graduate of Leadership Detroit Class XXIV.

Ms. Mozham serves on the Board of Directors for the Arab Community Center of Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). Additionally, Ms. Mozham is a lifetime member of the NAACP, Member of Inforum, Detroit Renaissance Business Contribution Council, National Management Association, Blues PAC President’s Circle and Reebok Professional Instructor Alliance.

Ziad S. Ojakli leads a team that helps shape policy and legislation that promote the company's core business objectives including areas of tax, litigation and regulatory relief for business, energy reform, automotive safety, international trade, and improvements in the nation's health care and pension systems.

As head of Ford's global governmental relations and public policy, Mr. Ojakli oversees interactions with governments in 110 markets around the world where Ford does business. He is responsible for Ford's federal and state government relations in the U.S., as well as the company's community relations. His public policy office identifies emerging issues and develops positions aligned with corporate principles and business objectives.

Mr. Ojakli also oversees the company's philanthropic arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund, which contributes to worthy causes to support a broad range of initiatives to improve the quality of life within our communities. . He is also chairman of Ford's Political Action Committee and oversees the grassroots communications effort of Ford employees. From 2001 – 2004, Mr. Ojakli served President George W. Bush as a Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, the President’s chief liaison to the U.S. Senate. In this role, he managed daily interactions for the White House with U.S. Senators, assisted in strategy and policy development, and coordinated legislative strategy with administration agencies and Cabinet departments.

Mr. Ojakli also directed the administration’s efforts to secure confirmation of presidential nominations. Prior to joining the White House staff, Mr. Ojakli served as the Senate liaison for the Bush-Cheney Transition Team. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Ojakli was policy director and chief of staff to the Senate Republican conference secretary, the late Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-GA). Mr. Ojakli played a key role in planning and implementing the legislative goals of the Senate Republican leadership and was responsible for developing and managing much of the communications strategy for the Republican leadership. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Ojakli served as chief of staff to Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) and was Souder’s key political and policy advisor. Prior to that, he was a legislative assistant to Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN), specializing in budget, tax, trade, energy and environmental issues.

Mr. Ojakli is an active board member of numerous organizations, including: the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; the Arab American National Museum Advisory Board; Arab American Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS); Fabretto Children's Foundation; The Henry Ford Learning Institute; Michigan Manufacturers Association; National Association of Manufacturers; and the Washington Center for Internships. Along with his corporate work, Mr. Ojakli was named a delegate to the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders, joining 410 leaders from all regions of the world. A graduate of Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in American Government, Mr. Ojakli joined the company in January, 2004.

Robert G. Riney was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Henry Ford Health System in 2003. In this role, Mr. Riney oversees all hospital and service operations for the 7 hospital health system consisting of over 60 clinical locations, 23,000 employees and annual revenues of $3.4 billion. In addition, Mr. Riney is responsible for Corporate Services including Legal, Information Technology, Planning and Management Services, Quality, and Strategic Business Development.

Mr. Riney joined Henry Ford Health System in 1978 and has had the privilege throughout his career thus far of working in almost every business unit in the System. As a result of this rare career track, he has a deep understanding of organizational culture and its impact on operating performance. His relationship and negotiation skills, as well as his ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions have served him and Henry Ford Health System well.

Mr. Riney has held numerous HFHS leadership positions including: Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (2002-2003); Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (2000-2002); and, Vice President Organizational Design and Effectiveness (1998-2000).

Mr. Riney is a passionate contributor to the overall quality of the community as well as his profession and is often sought out for input on major community strategic issues. His current Board and community roles include: Board President, Dominican Healthcare Board; Board Member, Nemours Foundation, one of the country’s largest foundations; Board Member, Wayne State University School of Business Administration; Board Member, National Center for Healthcare Leadership; Board Member, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; Board Member, Leadership Detroit; Board Member, Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation. Faculty: Institute of Healthcare Improvement. Adviser: OneD.

Riney’s past Board and community roles include: Immediate Past Board President, Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit; Past President, American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration; Past Chair, Leadership Detroit; Board Member: American Hospital Association Commission on Workforce.

Wafa Salah, a native of Palestine received her Bachelor’s in Social Studies from Damascus University. Upon establishing herself in Michigan, she immediately became active in several community and cultural organizations. She has previously served as President of the Arab Women Union, the United Holy Land Fund-Detroit and the Palestinian American Congress-Detroit. She also served as Secretary of the National Board of the United Holy Land Fund and a board member of the Arab-American and Chaldean Communities Social Services Council (ACC). For nearly four years, she worked as a teacher in Amman with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

She is currently the President of the ADC-Detroit Chapter, a longtime Board Member of ACCESS and Chair of the Arab American National Museum Friends Committee. In one year, she helped to form an effective committee, which made a significant mark in philanthropic practices among Arab Americans by raising outstanding funds in support of the newly formed Arab American National Museum.

Recently, she was widely praised and recognized for her talents as “A Distinguished Volunteer” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Detroit Chapter on National Philanthropy Day. She was also highly recognized by the William Beaumont Hospital for her work in the translation and development of Diabetes educational materials. Salah was also honored with the highest award to be given annually by the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

Hussien Y. Shousher was named president of GEM Inc. by the Board of Directors of the Rudolph/Libbe Companies, Inc., in April of 1998. He had been serving as interim general manager.

Formerly a project manager/engineer with SSOE, Mr. Hussien joined GEM Inc. in business development in 1991. In 1996 he was named electrical division manager.

Mr. Hussien, earned a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Toledo in 1981 and began his career as a project engineer with Texaco in Port Arthur, Texas.

Mr. Hussien and his family reside in Sylvania Township.

Gerald W. Smith is the Area Director of Corporate Affairs for Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Smith oversees government relations, community relations, media relations, and employee communications in Detroit and Hamtramck.

Prior to joining Comcast, Mr. Smith served as director of community and project development at Channel 56-Detroit Public Television for 14 years. He is best known for his role as co-host on “Back-To-Back”, the Emmy-nominated metro Detroit call-in TV/radio talk show on WTVS- Channel 56 and WQBH-1400AM. He currently hosts a talk show on Detroit Public TV entitled, “Good Schools: Making the Grade.”

Mr. Smith has extensive experience in organizational development and community planning. He was a member of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s commercial development team. As a development associate and project director, he developed and implemented technical and financial assistance to business and property owners and has co-authored several market studies for the City of Detroit. He served as project director for the Eastern Market, Seven Mile-Livernois, and Millender Center projects.

In addition, Mr. Smith served as administrator of the Wholesale Distribution Center Citizens District Council in Detroit’s Eastern Market. He was instrumental in the creation of the Eastern Market Development Corporation, which represents area business/property owners. Accomplishments included gaining 501(c)(3) status for the organization, securing a planning grant, and obtaining federal and state historical designation for the Eastern Market.

Mr. Smith also served as a community organizer for the City of Detroit’s Model Cities Program and as an administrative assistant for New Detroit, Inc., where he was involved in youth programs. Mr. Smith serves on the faculty of Wayne State University in the Department of Africana Studies and was named 1990 United States Peace Corps “Black Educator of the Year”. Previously, he taught classes in African-American studies at Wayne County Community College. A native Detroiter and a graduate of the University of Detroit, he has traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Smith served as a guest lecturer at the Nairobi International School in Nairobi, Kenya; was selected for inclusion in the tenth edition of Who’s Who Among African-Americans, and was chosen as a 1990 Minority Fellow for the National Society of Fundraising Executives. He is the recipient of more than 60 community service awards, including public television’s 1993 Gold Award for Local Programming and Community Outreach, two State of Michigan resolutions, a Special Tribute from the Michigan Governor, 4 Spirit of Detroit Awards, a City of Detroit Testimonial Resolution, Comcast Cable’s inaugural Community Star Award, two Beacon Awards for Excellence in public affairs programming throughout the cable industry and 3 Emmy nominations.

He also serves as a distinguished board member for the Michigan Chapters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the National Television Academy, the Booker T. Washington Business Association, the Michigan UNCF Leadership Committee, the Hispanic Business Alliance, the Arab Community Center (ACCESS) and the Michigan Governor’s Transition Team for the Detroit Public Schools.

James R. Stokes, former Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office for Southeast Michigan in the seven county southeast region of the state, representing 4.9 million residents, is currently the State Director of Appointments for the Granholm Administration.

Mr. Stokes has more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, including 15 years with the State of Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Growth. His personal vision for Michigan is to promote the Governor’s philosophy of working together cooperatively as “ONE MICHIGAN.”

A graduate of Sacred Heart Seminary College, St. John’s Theological Seminary, University of Detroit, and the Detroit College of Law, currently known as Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History/Philosophy, a Master’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, and a Juris Doctor Degree. (Doctor of Law) Mr. Stokes is a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Attorney with the State of Michigan.

Mr. Stokes is on the board of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, (ACCESS), a Center Partner with Affirmations - a nonprofit GLBT agency in Ferndale, and is involved in several civic and community organizations in the tri-County area. He has received an Honorary Degree from Saint’s Cyril and Methodist College, Orchard Lake, in recognition of services provided to the Detroit Metro area in counseling and social services, and the recipient of the State of Michigan – Rehabilitation Services “Counselor of the Year” Award for Wayne/Oakland Counties, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, and 2002. He is also a Dale Carnegie “Highest Award” recipient. He was recently presented with the “True Friend” Award by the German American Heritage Foundation, International, for his work with the student exchange program involving Wayne State University and King Ludwig University in Munich. Germany.

William Swor is currently a member of the Board of Directors of ACCESS. He has also been a member of the Parish Council of St. George Orthodox Church, Troy, Michigan, serving as its Chairman, 2005-2006. He has served on the City of Harper Woods Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Swor graduated from Oakland University in April 1969 with a B.A. in Political Science. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School and has been engaged in the private practice of law for 35 years. He has served on many boards and committees of the State Bar of Michigan, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. He is a member of the Practitioner's Advisory Group, United States Sentencing Commission. He has served as an Arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Detroit, the American Arbitration Association, and the Wayne County Circuit Court.

Mr. Swor has authored articles on the practice of law and defending non-citizens and non citizen rights. He has taught at numerous legal conferences, and is on the Faculty of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Trial Practice College. He is the father of 3, and grandfather of 6 wonderful children who are all proud of their heritage.

Emeritus Board Members

Ali Baleed Almaklani is former president and co-founder of the Yemen American Benevolent Association (YABA), an organization that provides educational and social services for the ethnic Yemeni community. He was also a founding member of the Arab American Congress in the 1970’s and is a key organizer of the Arab and Chaldean Festival. During the 1970’s, Mr. Almaklani was nominated to represent Arab Americans at the UAQ convention and was also selected to attend the 2nd General Conference of Yemeni Immigrants in Yemen.

More recently, Mr. Almaklani helped to found the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC). In addition, he serves on the Advisory Board of ADC, and the Advisory Board and Parent Committee of Salina Elementary School. Mr. Almaklani is a well known poet in his local community and is often referred to as Abu-Dhafer. He has written hundreds of poems and is planning to publish a book of his works.

Barbara Aswad is a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Wayne State University. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and conducted research in Arab villages and Turkish cities of the Middle East, as well as in the Arab community in Dearborn Michigan. She has published three books, one on the village she studied, one entitled, Arabic Speaking Communities in American Cities, and her most recent, Family and Gender Among American Muslims. She has published 35 articles or chapters in books. Her research interests include the areas of gender, Arab American studies, urban anthropology, and peasant social organization.

She is a Past President of the Middle East Studies Association of North America, the major professional organization for professors who teach on the Middle East. In her teaching career she received numerous honors. She is a Fulbright Scholar; she received the Graduate Mentor Award, Women of Wayne and Alumni Service awards from Wayne State University.

She retired from Wayne State University in 2000, and she and her husband, Adnan, live half the year in Michigan and half in California.

Linda Hallick has been a board member, beginning with the Advisory Board, since 1984. Ms. Hallick served as president of the Board several times, and has been an Executive Board member for approximately 10 years. She was the head of the English class as a Second Language Program for adults in the Dearborn Public School System, and was also the Administer for a comprehensive vocational training school. Ms. Hallick is currently employed as a sixth grade teacher at Salina Intermediate School. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Dearborn City Planning Commission and has served on the commission since 1979. Ms. Hallick is the mother of 2 and grandmother of 3.

George Khoury was born in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1942 and came to the U.S. in 1961. Mr. Khoury holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit and Masters of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University.

Mr. Khoury was instrumental in establishing many Arab American organizations in the metro Detroit. He is former president and co founder of Arab American University Graduates and co-founder of the Organization of Arab Students at Wayne State University. Mr. Khoury has been active with the ADC Michigan Chapter, the Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation, and The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation.

Presently, he is a board member of Friends of Sabeel North America, Editor in Chief of Birzeit Society magazine and a member of the Birzeit Society of North America.

Noel J. Saleh is an attorney in private practice; specializing in civil liberties and immigration law. He is recognized nationally as a leading immigrant advocate. He has successfully challenged “secret evidence” and “special interest” cases. Mr. Saleh is the immediate past president of the ACCESS and has served on the ACCESS Board since 1989. From January 2002 until October of 2005, Noel was the Post 9/11, Safe and Free Project Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Michigan. Mr. Saleh took a sabbatical from his private law practice to help the ACLU outreach to the Arab, Muslim and South Asian communities and coordinate legal work in the wake of 9/11. His responsibilities included community education and outreach as well as development of litigation (in coordination with the ACLU national office) to challenge some of the most restrictive provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and other assaults on civil liberties. He was lead counsel in the ACLU lawsuit which challenged the State of Michigan’s participation in MATRIX; the Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange. He is also a member of the ACLU legal team which filed the first direct constitutional challenge to Section 215 of the USAPATRIOT Act.

Mr. Saleh brings with him a long history of community involvement. He has served on the Boards of the National Immigration Forum (NIF); the Rights Working Group; Palestine Aid Society of America; American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; National Lawyers Guild; the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit and as a member of the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U. S. Civil Rights Commission.