Bio

Three decades of international development experience in economic growth, enterprise and workforce development, trade promotion, tourism, and youth entrepreneurship in the U.S., Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Asia. Twenty years of USAID senior project management roles as Chief of Party, Program Director or Team Leader. Led portfolio exceeding $350 million, including over $120 million in USAID funds plus leveraged investments. Led growth of the US-based American-Arab Chamber of Commerce into facilitator of US-Arab trade as its first executive director. Advised senior policymakers from several political systems on public policy formulation, local and national strategies. Successful legacy creating sustainable institutions with international impact, including the largest youth entrepreneurship organization in the Arab World that benefitted over 3 million youth so far across the MENA region. Established record in leading public sector reform strategies, including institutional, legal and regulatory enhancements, and supporting formulation of export-oriented industry strategies across various sectors. Powerful skills in public relations, communication, management, campaign design and implementation. Facilitated President Barack Obama's visit to Petra and hosted high profile personalities to promote development initiatives and investment such as then First Lady Hillary Clinton, Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, King Abdullah II, CNN’s Ted Turner, ambassadors, congressional and corporate leaders. Proven record in complex and multi-disciplinary project design, development, start-up and implementation for results. Conducted development missions and served as advisor or speaker in international forums as United Nations, UNESCO, UN World Tourism Organization, World Bank, OECD and EBRD, and in countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Spain, Italy, Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Tunisia, Nepal, Mexico and Jamaica. Served on various boards such as the United Nations Foundation World Heritage Alliance, Jordan's Development and Employment Fund. Earned various distinguished awards including the George Washington University Outstanding Alumni Leader, and King Abdullah II Award for Supporting Entrepreneurship.