PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release October 21, 2009 Contact: Michael
A. Zachariades Email: mzachariades@aaainc.org Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ADDS NEW MEMBERS TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL
COUNCIL

Pasadena, CA -The Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) Western
Region Office and the Southern California Regional Council (Council)
are proud to announce the addition of its newest members, Margaret A.
Mgrublian and Jim Melikian. Mgrublian and Melikian will join Assembly
Board Members Lisa Kalustian, Joyce Stein and Peter Kezirian, Jr.;
past Assembly Board Member Richard Mushegain; Al Cabraloff and Talin
Yacoubian, in overseeing the community-wide outreach of the Assembly
throughout Southern California.

"The Assembly is pleased to welcome Margaret and Jim to the Council,"
stated Assembly Western Region Director Yeghig Keshishian. "The
Council continues to play a pivotal role in our advocacy efforts and
the addition of two committed members will further the cause and
accomplishments of the Assembly."

With her new role as part of the Council, Mgrublian stated: "I have
always been impressed by what the Assembly has accomplished throughout
its 37-year history. It continues to have a tangible impact on both
Armenia and Karabakh. I hope to further support its worthwhile mission
through my involvement on the Council."

Melikian added, "To me, the Assembly is the most important Armenian
organization today with the exception of the Church. It does so many
things for so many people throughout the community and for the
Republic of Armenia."

Mgrublian is a retired mechanical engineer from Pasadena. She is an
active member and supporter of a number of Armenian organizations –
including, the Ararat Home of Los Angeles; the Armenian Assembly of
America; the Evereg-Fenesse Educational Society; and the Western
Diocese of the Armenian Church, where she served as a Sunday school
teacher for 21 years, Sunday School Superintendent for three years,
and as a program staff member at the Church summer camp for 10
years. She is a leader in the Pasadena community, serving as President
of the Westridge School Parent Association, and as an active supporter
of the AIDS Service Center; the Haven House domestic violence
emergency shelter; the Wellness Community cancer support center;
Planned Parenthood and the Mothers’ Club Family Learning Center.

Melikian has been a small business owner for over 32 years. Educated
at Fresno State University, he currently offers scholarship
opportunities, on an annual basis, to students at its journalism
department. Melikian has also generously provided scholarships to
Assembly interns in Washington, DC and is a longtime supporter and
member of the Assembly.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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