Arab American Institute hires new Executive Director, Nidal Ibrahim

For Immediate Release:

AAI Hires New Executive Director
Nidal Ibrahim to Join DC Office March 20
March 14th, 2006

WASHINGTON  The Arab American Institute (AAI) is delighted to announce the hiring of Nidal Ibrahim as Executive Director of the Washington, DC-based organization. Ibrahim comes to AAI after leading the Arab American Business Magazine since its launch in February 2000. Under his direction, the Magazine helped connect Arab Americans involved in business, politics and social organizations. Ibrahim was the 2003 winner of the “Ethnic Pulitzer” for best international affairs story.

In his capacity in the newly-created position of Executive Director, Ibrahim will work directly with AAI President James Zogby and AAI Foundation Executive Director Helen Samhan to implement the organization’s Strategic Plan. Ibrahim’s principal responsibilities will be to manage the operations of the AAI national office and expand the reach of AAI’s political, policy and research programs. Ibrahim’s extensive experience in Arab American affairs, marketing and communications brings to the organization both talent and energy well-suited to meet the new challenges of today’s political climate .

“We are delighted that Nidal will be joining the Institute as our new Executive Director. He is a proven manager and communicator, with a deep commitment to advancing the goals of the Arab American community. We are confident that this appointment will bring new vitality to the Institute's work in the years to come," said Dr. James Zogby, president of AAI.

The Strategic Plan, developed in November 2005, is a guide for institutionalizing AAI’s mission and operation and improving communication with our constituency, as well as maintaining AAI as a network for Arab American political organizing. Ibrahim is a valuable addition to AAI, and his management experience and community relationships are vital to implementing AAI’s long-term vision.

“The opportunity to help lead one of the top Arab American organizations in the country during this critical period in the community’s history is an exhilarating one,” Ibrahim said. “I embrace my new position with all of its inherent challenges and opportunities, excited at the prospect of working with an exceptional team of people at AAI, a group of folks who are confident in their mission, driven with passion and committed to the state goals of Arab American political empowerment.”

We invite you to speak with Nidal Ibrahim and Dr. Zogby in a conference call on Friday, March 17th at 11am. To dial in please call: (641) 297-7250 and use the participant PIN number 131054. Only long distance charges apply.