DEARBORN, Mich. – After five years as President & Chief Executive Officer and more than 35 years of service to ACCESS, Maha Freij has announced her decision to retire and begin a planned leadership transition. Following a comprehensive succession planning process, the ACCESS Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Lina Hourani-Harajli, current Chief Operating Officer, as President & CEO effective October 1, 2026.
Freij will remain President & CEO until then and will continue to support ACCESS and its national institutions as a Strategic Advisor throughout the leadership transition.
Freij's retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career that helped shape ACCESS into the nation's largest and most comprehensive Arab American institution. Since joining ACCESS in 1991, she has played a transformative role in expanding the organization's reach, strengthening its financial foundation, building a culture of philanthropy, and helping establish national institutions that have elevated the voice and impact of Arab Americans across the country.
"Maha's contributions to ACCESS and the broader community are immeasurable," said Hussien Shousher, Chair of the ACCESS Board of Directors. "For more than three decades, her vision has helped transform ACCESS into a national institution while remaining deeply grounded in the needs of the communities we serve. One of her most enduring legacies is the culture of leadership and continuity she helped build throughout the organization. We are deeply grateful for her extraordinary service and have full confidence in Lina's ability to lead ACCESS into its next chapter."
During her tenure, Freij led major capital campaigns, including the launch campaign for the Arab American National Museum, founded the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), expanded ACCESS' national institutions, and strengthened the organization's long-term sustainability through the growth of reserves and endowment. As President & CEO, she launched the Center for Arab Narratives (CAN) and led the capital campaign for the ACCESS Recovery Center, set to open this fall.
"I have always believed that our responsibility is not simply to build organizations, but to build institutions that can serve communities for generations," said Freij. "Together, we have built something larger than ourselves – an institution rooted in community, guided by purpose, and prepared to serve future generations. I have every confidence in Lina and the remarkable team that will continue leading ACCESS forward."
Hourani-Harajli joined ACCESS in 2000 and has served as Chief Operating Officer for more than a decade. She played a critical role in strengthening and modernizing the organization while remaining deeply committed to the mission and communities served. She founded the business operations division, led the planning and buildout of numerous ACCESS facilities, and oversaw human resources, information technology, and marketing & communications. She has also worked with key leaders at ACCESS to implement our whole-family philosophy, helping families break the cycle of poverty, climb the economic ladder, and thrive through support that spans the entire life journey – from early childhood to adulthood, education to employment, and health to healing.
"I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me and grateful to Maha for her decades of leadership and mentorship," said Hourani-Harajli. "ACCESS has always been guided by a strong commitment to organizational and operational excellence, and that legacy of service and innovation will continue as we embark on this next chapter in ACCESS' 55-year history."
While leadership changes, the mission endures. ACCESS remains committed to building community strength and advancing the health, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the many communities it serves regionally and nationally. With a strong foundation, a prepared successor, and a clear vision for the future, ACCESS is well-positioned to continue building a more just and equitable society – from the neighborhood to the nation.
Founded in 1971 in Dearborn, Michigan, ACCESS is the most comprehensive Arab American nonprofit organization in the nation, reaching millions across all backgrounds through its programs, services and institutions. Our mission is to advance the health, economic, social, and cultural well-being of communities regionally and nationwide.
We drive lasting impact through ACCESS and our national institutions: the Arab American National Museum (AANM), the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP), the Center for Arab Narratives (CAN), and the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC).