August 27, 2004
August 27, 2004
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced creation of the Commission on Arab and Chaldean American Affairs under Executive Order 2004-33.
The commission is charged with serving in an advisory capacity to the Governor, alerting her to pertinent issues within the largest Arab American and Chaldean American community outside of the Middle East. The commission will also make recommendations about programs and policies for the betterment of Arab and Chaldean Americans in Michigan and will help promote public awareness of Arab and Chaldean culture and accomplishments.
“I have a vision of building ‘One Michigan’ in which all people have an equal opportunity at fulfilling their dreams and are welcomed into our inclusive community,” said Granholm. “I believe that by creating this commission, we will be one step closer to realizing this ideal.”
Members of the commission shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and will include:
• Abdulhakem A. Alsadah of Salem, manager of the Arab American and Chaldean Council Yemeni Outreach Center and Honor Council General of Yemen in Michigan
• Ismael Ahmed of Dearborn, executive director of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
• Rana A. Abbas of Dearborn, public affairs director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
• Terry T. Ahwal of Canton, director of development at Madonna University
• Fay Beydoun of Dearborn, executive director of the Arab American Institute of Michigan
• Mokbel K. Chedid of Fenton, chief of neurosurgery at Oakwood Neuro Surgery Associates
• Ahmad Chebbani of Dearborn, president of Omnex Accounting and Tax Services and co-founder of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce
• Hany G. Choulagh of Shelby Township., senior assistant electrical engineer for the City of Detroit and first vice chairman of Chaldean Federation of America.
• Samir A. Danou of Bloomfield Township., president and owner of Danou Enterprises Inc.
• Dennis P. Denno of East Lansing, chief of staff for State Senator Buzz Thomas
• Charlene M. Elder of Dearborn, magistrate of the 19th District Court, City of Dearborn
• Haifa Fakhouri, Ph.D. of Troy, president/CEO of the Arab American and Chaldean Council
• Hesham E. Gayar of Grand Blanc, chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at McLaren Regional Medical Center and American Arab Heritage Council Member
• Imad S. Hamad of Dearborn, regional director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
• Abed E. Hammoud of Dearborn, principle attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office
• Karen L. Henry of Grand Rapids, executive director of Grand Rapids Operation Weed and Seed, Department of Justice Initiative
• Alexander H. Isaac of Clio, executive director of the American Arab Heritage Council
• Karen L. Karam of Ray, broker at Karen Karam Broker
• John M. Mackay of Detroit, H & R Block
• Martin F. Manna of Bloomfield Hills, managing partner at Interlink Media and executive director for the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
• Radwan Mardini of Dearborn Heights, chaplain at the American Muslim Center
• Samir W. Mashni of Canton, president of Samir W. Mashni & Associates, P.C.
• Fatina Masri of West Bloomfield, physician at the Masri Clinic
• Samuel A. Nouhan of Detroit, chief of litigation for Wayne County Corp Counsel
• William H. Salaita of Plymouth, director of the Arab American and Chaldean Council
• Nida Samona of Southfield, chair of the Liquor Control Commission
• George H. Shalhoub of Novi, pastor at The Basilica of St. Mary Orthodox Church
• Basel K. Shatara of Grand Rapids, owner/corporation president of The Pita House
• Oussama A. Siblani of West Bloomfield, founder, publisher, and editor-in-chief of the Arab American News
• George C. Steeh of Mt. Clemens, U.S. District Court Judge and president of the Arab-American Bar Association of Michigan
The Governor will designate Judge George C. Steeh as chair of the commission.
These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
