ANC Glendale Chapter Elects 2009-2010 Board of Directors
November 2, 2009

Glendale, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter announced its newly elected Board of Directors (BOD) for the 2009-2010 program year.  Led by Co-Chairmen, Leonard Manoukian and Sarkis Ourfalian, the ANCG BOD will continue to be the primary governing body to oversee the organization’s development and strategic planning in the coming year.

"The newly formed board concludes an important phase of re-structuring for ANCG and I'm very pleased to be serving with such an experienced board," said Sarkis Ourfalian, newly elected co-Chairman of the ANCG. "Our core mission remains unchanged.  But our approach and activities will expand and evolve so that we identify new ways to engage and educate the community on civic affairs.  We also want to be partners with our elected officials and community organizations to implement programs and initiatives that will serve our community and the City of Glendale,” added Ourfalian.

The 2009-2010 Board of Directors are:

Armik Avedisian, serving his second consecutive year, is a realtor and business owner in Glendale.  Throughout the years, Mr. Avedisian has been heavily involved in the community and has served on numerous boards including Member Advisory Board for the Salvation Army Glendale, Vice President of Glendale Association of REALTORS, Board Director for California Association of REALTORS, Board Member of Crime Stoppers for Glendale Police Department and a Member of St. Mary’s Apostolic Church.

Mikael Kourinian is a longtime community activist beginning from high school Armenian Club presidency to grassroots activism at the ANC-WR and the ANCA.   A recent ANCA Capital Gateway Fellow, Kourinian has spent the last year in the nation’s capital working on think tank policy publications, Congressional Internships, International Development work focusing on Eurasia, and government contracting.  

Leonard Manoukian, serving as co-chair is a senior staff attorney at State Compensation Insurance Fund. Aside from serving on the Glendale City Planning Commission, Manoukian has previously served on the board of directors for the ANC-Glendale Chapter, ANC-Western Region, Homenetmen Ararat Chapter, Glendale Healthy Kids and currently serves on the board of Armenia Fund, Inc., and Boy Scouts of America – Verdugo Hills Council.        

           
Sarkis Ourfalian, serving as co-chairman is currently a partner at the firm of Ourfalian & Ourfalian.  Throughout his career, Sarkis has been active in civic and community affairs and holds memberships in many civic and charitable organizations as well as professional associations. Sarkis is certified to practice in both State and Federal Courts.

Sarkis Poladian, serving his second consecutive year, is an educator with the Glendale Unified School District and has been an active member of the Armenian National Committee since 1989.  Besides being a credentialed teacher, Sarkis is a member of the Glendale Teachers Association through which he has previously served in many capacities including Middle School Director and Political Action Chair. 

Talar Shekherdimian is currently a paralegal at Papirian Law offices and recent ANCA Capital Gateway fellow.  Shekherdimian has previously served as chairwoman of the Armenian Youth Federation – Glendale Chapter and  as leader and coach for the Armenian Athletic and Scouts Union.

Zareh Sinanyan, serving his third consecutive year, has been active in the community since 1999.  Currently, Sinanyan is partner at the law firm of Sinanyan and Associates. Zareh has previously served on the City of Glendale’s Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission and currently serves on the CDBG Advisory Board. 

The new leadership team will build on the successes of previous years in working closely with elected officials, city institutions, and community organizations in establishing programs and amending institutional practices to better serve the overall Glendale community. ANCG’s day-to-day operations will continue to be led by Executive Director, Elen Asatryan, who has been involved with the organization since 2001.

“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair of the ANCG Board and look forward to working with my fellow Board members, city officials and community members on the critical issues facing the Glendale community,” said Leonard Manoukian. “ANCG aims to empower the community to become engaged while responding to the social economic, and policy challenges through initiatives and advocacy. As Co-Chair of the Board, I am ready to serve and add my contribution to those efforts,” added Manoukian.

The Armenian National Committee-Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city's Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.

####
Photo Caption:  ANCG 2009-2010 Board of Directors
Pictured back row, left to right: Zareh Sinanyan, Sarkis Ourfalian, Sarkis Poladian, Armik Avedisian
Pictured front row, left to right: Leonard Manoukian, Talar Shekherdimian, Mikael Kourinian