Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
April 11, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
BRYAN ARDOUNY APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America is pleased to
announce that former Acting Executive Director Bryan Ardouny has
returned to the organization as its Executive Director.
In his new position, Ardouny will work with the Assembly’s Boards of
Trustees and Directors to implement the organization’s programs via
its offices in Washington, Los Angeles, Boston, Yerevan and
Stepanakert and the Assembly’s grassroots network across the country.
Shortly after his departure in 2002, Ardouny was elected to the
Assembly’s Board of Directors where his extensive knowledge of
congressional relations and the inner workings of Washington helped
advance the Assembly’s legislative agenda.
“We’re extremely delighted that Bryan is assuming this post and are
confident that under his leadership, the Assembly will grow even
stronger as a leading advocate of issues facing our community and
homeland,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Hirair Hovnanian.
“As a recent Member of the Board of Directors, Bryan displayed
outstanding commitment, energy and experience required to effectively
lead this organization into the future,” added Anthony Barsamian,
Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Ardouny succeeds Ross Vartian, who is completing his second tour with
the Assembly. Vartian will continue to work for the Assembly and
assume the responsibilities of Director of Communications and
Leadership Development.
Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ),
Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, recall
working closely with Ardouny at the Assembly. “Bryan is a unique
advocate with the kind of credibility that is a credit to the Assembly
and the Armenian-American community at large. He is effective,
well-liked, and we’re glad to have him back in Washington.”
During his tenure as Acting Executive Director, Ardouny led a major
Assembly campaign to reverse the Bush Administration’s decision to add
Armenia to a list of countries that require non-immigrant male
nationals, age 16 and older, to register with the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Services (INS). Considering Armenia’s strong
diplomatic relations with the United States, the news of Armenia’s
inclusion on such a list sent shock waves through the
Armenian-American community. Its reversal – the result of
around-the-clock consultations between Ardouny, other Assembly leaders
and state and federal officials – signified a major victory for the
community.
In 2000, Ardouny led the Assembly’s congressional efforts in
successfully navigating a genocide resolution through the House
International Relations Committee and to the House floor, despite
strong opposition from the Turkish lobby and the Administration. The
resolution, spearheaded by Congressmen George Radanovich (R-CA) and
former House Minority Whip David Bonior (D-MI), was scheduled for a
vote, but killed at the last minute due to a direct request from
President Clinton to Speaker Dennis Hastert after the terrorist attack
on the U.S.S. Cole.
Ardouny was also instrumental in pushing back attempts in the House
and Senate to repeal Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. The
congressional victories, in 1998 and 1999, respectively, served a
major blow to Azerbaijan’s and Turkey’s lobbying efforts against
Armenia.
“I am excited and eager to resume working with the Assembly’s
dedicated and hard-working leaders and professional staff members,”
said Ardouny. “Together we will work to strengthen and expand this
organization as we continue to promote the U.S./ Armenia and
U.S./Karabakh relationships.”
Prior to joining the Assembly, Ardouny served as legislative counsel
to Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Member Rep. Michael
Bilirakis (R-FL). While there, he handled a wide variety of foreign
policy issues and served as the staff liaison to the Congressional
Caucus on Hellenic Issues, as well as the Armenian Caucus. Most
recently, Ardouny served as Executive Director of the
Armenian-American Political Action Committee (ARMENPAC).
Ardouny is married to Mary Ellen Sprenkel and has two sons.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
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Photograph available on the Assembly Web site at the following link:
Caption: L to R: Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny with Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).