JOHN AKOURI BIOGRAPHY

JOHN AKOURI

A native of Detroit, former Congressional Press Secretary, Award-winning TV personality and accomplished civic leader, John Akouri has made his mark in local, national and international affairs. He gained national prominence at the US Capitol where in his capacity as spokesman and chief speechwriter he worked with both the International & National press corps, also serving as a Senior Congressional Advisor assisting with legislative direction on major policy issues, with a specific focus on the Middle East. As creator and executive producer of “Window to Washington”, he hosts the nationally award-winning television program cablecast in over 30 communities throughout Michigan. A city councilman in his hometown, he was the honored recipient of a Special Tribute and recognition by the Michigan Senate. An alumnus of Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, and as a distinguished FOX-2 News Intern, his active involvement in public affairs span the course of the past two decades. Since the late 1980’s, he has been a leader in government, media and business at the local, state and national levels. A highlight of his career was serving as an official photographer on the Bob Dole Presidential Campaign in 1996, covering the Papal visit of the Holy Father to Detroit and receiving the Key to the City of Birmingham in 2007. Today, as a public relations consultant, he also heads several business ventures in the region. John Akouri is probably one of the most in demand motivational and public speakers, working to raise funds for universities, charitable foundations, religious institutions, business & trade associations and service clubs throughout the United States & Canada. He is very active in community affairs and currently serves on the Department of Homeland Security Incident Management Team, United States Army Grassroots Advisory Board, Wayne State University Presidential Advisory Group, Madonna University International Education Council, and State Department International Visitors Council. As founder of the national Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce, John Akouri presides as President & CEO of the non-profit organization. He is also the editor-in-chief of Lebanese Monthly Magazine which is published by its parent company, the Lebanese American News Agency, Inc. During the 2006 Mid-term Election in Michigan, John Akouri was a candidate for a Wayne State University Board of Governors education post, where he came very close to winning the election with 1.3 Million votes. More recently, he has been enjoying a new found interest in auctioneering.