AUTUMN 2009
JOHN AKOURI BIOGRAPHY
JOHN AKOURIJohn Akouri is the former Washington, DC Press Secretary & Director of Communications to US Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI). In his capacity as spokesman and chief speechwriter for the Congressman, he has worked daily with both the International & National press corps, also serving as a senior advisor assisting with legislative direction on major policy issues with a specific focus on the Middle East. In addition to conducting media research, formulating proposals, and monitoring legislation in key issue areas he was instrumental in coordinating the legislative agenda and securing federal appropriations in conjunction with the Legislative Director and Appropriations Committee. As creator & executive producer of “Window to Washington”, he hosts the nationally award-winning television program cablecast in over 30 communities throughout SE Michigan.
Last year he was pleased to serve as the Bush/Cheney ‘04 Campaign Co-Chairman, for Oakland County, Michigan. In November 2003, John ran a successful first time campaign for City Council in his native Farmington Hills, Michigan and was elected as the city’s first US-born Lebanese Councilman coming in as top vote getter in a four-person race. The youngest Member on Council, he serves a city that proudly boasts a population of nearly 85,000 residents with an annual operating budget of $75 Million and hundreds of city staff and department heads. Akouri is extremely proud of his personal background and heritage as an American of Lebanese descent, and the accomplishments the Lebanese community has achieved here in the US. Prior to his election, US Congressmen Ray Lahood (R-IL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) came to Michigan separately to campaign on behalf of his political efforts and to keynote fundraising receptions.
His family on both sides originally hail from the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanon, and upon immigrating to the United States of America - Akouri’s grandfather was the owner/operator of a market in Detroit that survived existence during the Great Depression. Hence, the strong Lebanese qualities of community service and work ethic were passed down through the generations. His paternal grandfather was the caretaker of St. Michael Maronite Cathedral in Tripoli, Lebanon; his maternal grandmother‘s leadership led to the raising of funds and development of a new Maronite church in Detroit a half century ago; and his father has been a cantor at many Maronite churches throughout the US, Canada and Lebanon. Akouri’s cousin, Abbott Simon Atallah, is Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order and his Uncle Elias Akouri is an award-winning syndicated columnist and published author in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Akouri is a lifelong resident of Michigan and a product of the Farmington Public School system. An MBA Candidate at Lawrence Technological University and an alumnus of both Oakland Community College and Wayne State University, and as a distinguished FOX News Intern, his active involvement in politics and public affairs span the course of the past two decades. His successful “JAVA with JOHN” coffee series allows him to engage in open discussion with his constituents. Since the late 1980’s, he has been a leader in government, media and business at the local, state and national levels. A defining moment in his public career came when, as a young volunteer, he drove in the official motorcade for President Ronald Reagan on a trip to Michigan. Professionally, he has worked as a media consultant to Michigan Governor John Engler, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, U.S. Congressional Members as well as an Official Photographer for the 1996 Bob Dole Presidential Campaign.
As a charter member of the Multi-cultural Multi-racial ad-hoc committee, he was presented with the Community Council’s 2002 Rainbow Recognition Award. In 1998, he was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the prestigious Zoning Board of Appeals, where he quickly rose to the Executive position of Secretary of the Board and a member of the Michigan Society of Planning Officials. John hosted the first citywide volunteer live telethon in 1995 to aid various agencies and organizations, and from 1989-1992 served on the Committee to Increase Voter Participation Commission. Truly a hometown son, he was asked by the City Council to lead the City in the Pledge of Allegiance following September 11, 2001 during a televised council meeting at City Hall.
Called a ‘Rising Star’ by the Gannett newspapers, over the years John has appeared in several commercials airing in the Detroit Television market. He annually hosts the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Gala Benefit, which seeks to raise funds to assist children locally and for the charitable organization based in Memphis, Tennessee and to date has raised in excess of $250,000. Over the years, Akouri has served as a celebrity auctioneer, model, bachelor, judge and emcee helping to raise funds for numerous charitable and civic organizations. He proudly served on the local board of the Miss America Pageant as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and is listed in the Who’s Who in Young Americans. He has been featured as a Lecturer, Speaker, Writer, Columnist, Presenter, Commentator, and Panelist. John is visible each and every day in all corners of the community, evident as his neighbors named him Kendallwood Farms Subdivision representative to the Council of Homeowners Association. In 2001 he received the honor of a Special Tribute and recognition by the Michigan State Senate.
Since his return from Washington, DC, Akouri, a talented professional, has worked with a number of clients as a Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Government Affairs consultant. His success is built upon the basis of establishing effective demographic relationships for his clients with local, state and national government officials, promoting their interests and building support for their issues, while providing client data information and reports to both elected officials and the general public. His combined expertise lies within the areas of Public Affairs, Media Relations, Business Law & Development, Project Management, Fundraising, Hospitality/Event Planning & Entertainment, and Community Relations. He is honored to have the respect of elected officials who sit on both sides of the aisle, which is all not too often an easy feat.
Presently, he offers his clients, which range from small to mid-size firms and organizations, the service of devising and implementing integrated successful legislative, communication and business strategies to meet their goals and objectives. Through a great deal of travel, these business clients have included key Technology Consulting Firms, Medical/Dental Management Consultants, Tier One Automotive Suppliers, Telecommunication Companies, Hotels & Conference Centers, Alternative Electric Power Marketers, Educational Facilities, Builder/Developers, Non-profit/Not-for-Profit Organizations & Human Services Community Organizations, and Overseas Import-Export firms. In 2002, through his efforts and during the visit of a non-Michigan Member of Congress, a substantial Federal appropriation was granted to a local human service and advocacy organization. In 2003, while working with Lansing officials, Akouri successfully placed one of his clients on the Gubernatorial transition team. He is now in the process of working with the international investment group General Mediterranean Holdings (developers of Beirut’s Le Royal Hotel and Watergate Park) who are looking to develop in Michigan and Illinois - following a productive meeting he arranged with the office of the County Executive.
In addition to being active with many national organizations including AUXILIA, the American Task Force for Lebanon, the Arab American Institute, the Chicago Lebanese Club and the Dearborn based Lebanese American Heritage Club; John serves on the boards of the United American Lebanese Federation and the Cathedral of St. Maron’s Maronite Church Parish Council. As past President of the Board of Directors at the Longacre House Community Center, he raised thousands of dollars for its senior citizens projects. Akouri enjoys his activity with the National Exchange Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, International Visitors Council, Chamber of Commerce, Leader Dogs for the Blind, The Salvation Army, Detroit Economic Club Junior Executives, US State Department’s IVC Global Diplomats, Peace in the World Initiative, Arab American Young Professionals Network, Southwestern Oakland County Cable Television, St. Fabian Catholic Church Parish Ministry and as a duly elected Precinct Delegate.
Akouri is widely recognized as a national leader in the Lebanese American community throughout the United States. Earlier this year, as events began to unfold almost on an hourly basis following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Akouri was offering commentary and analysis to media outlets across the nation. Following his organizing a Memorial Service honoring the slain Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Detroit that drew over 1000 people from around the world, he has been providing news viewers, listeners & readers local opinion with national perspective. For years, Akouri has participated in high-level talks on a wide range of initiatives regarding Lebanon during private meetings in Washington, DC with key Lebanese leaders including the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir, Lebanese Ambassador to the US, Hon. Farid Abboud, Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel, General Michel Aoun, American University of Beirut President John Waterbury, Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser, Middle East Airlines US-Director Adib Kassis, US Secretary of Energy Hon. Spencer Abraham, US Rep. Nick Rahal (D-WV), US Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), US Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA).
Prior to the start of the Lebanese Elections, John hosted a ‘Freedom of Lebanon Day’ at City Hall Council Chambers honoring the People of Lebanon and their pursuit of freedom, sovereignty and independence. Recognizing that the Republic of Lebanon is one 15 countries that make up what is considered to be the cradle of humanity and that up to five generations of people from Lebanon have migrated to southeast Michigan in the past 100 years, making up the majority of the more than 300,000 U.S. citizens of Middle-Eastern descent who live in their, the United States, together with the rest of the international community, support the formation of a sovereign and democratic Lebanese government through the upcoming elections. The Council honored the people of Lebanon and the many citizens of Lebanese descent who live in and around Farmington Hills and thanked them for their many contributions to the community, further resolving that the City of Farmington Hills stands together with the people of Lebanon in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.
Akouri has been quoted in newspapers across the country including the Washington Times, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit News & Free Press, the Oklahoma Daily Ardmoreite, the Michigan Arab Times, the Forum & Link, the Arab American News, the Chaldean Times, the New Jersey Star Ledger, Reuters, Gannett & the Associated Press and interviewed many times by CBS radio. Following the anticipated elections in Lebanon that began last month, Akouri was featured in a documentary filmed by Reuters Television regarding the Spring 2005 Elections. He joined national leaders from New York in discussing the impact and ramifications on the Lebanese Diaspora following the outcome of the elections. He also participated in a round-table discussion in Dearborn with a team of executives from Neilson Media Research for his input and to discuss their advertising and philanthropic support to the community with the Everyone Counts! Program and the new Local People Meter Technology.
Akouri is a longtime member of the Arab American Institute (AAI) National Policy Council, and was featured as a distinguished panelist at the AAI National Leadership Conference and also during the 2004 Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Convention in Washington, DC. He has been asked to join the membership of BRIDGES (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity) a Michigan forum to strengthen the relationship between the Arab- American community and the Federal Government. It is widely regarded as a model of its kind. Most recently he participated along with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa and dignitaries from around the world in the official VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the long awaited ACCESS Arab American National Museum.
Today, at the bequest of prominent national Lebanese American Business leaders, Akouri is heading the formation of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce. The national business organization is based in Michigan and has offices in Washington, DC, Houston, New York, and Chicago with more on the way. The Chamber will serve to actively develop, promote and advance Lebanese American business and to enhance the economic, social, educational, trade and cultural interests by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, and the exchange of business and information. It will also promote economic growth and development, expand business opportunities and heighten awareness between the Lebanese and American communities throughout the United States and Lebanon operating as an American, Michigan-based not-for-profit corporation linking business professionals locally, nationally, and globally.
From appearances in Washington Newspapers, BBC Radio and on Middle-East Television, and despite his hectic travel schedule, he still considers Michigan home. As his political journey led him to pursue a seat in the Michigan Legislature in 2002, he left our nations capital committed to mounting a strong grass-roots campaign that took him throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. A proven leader, visionary, and man of the people, he is considered to have universal appeal and the unique ability to forge coalitions among all people with the promise of honest representation. Despite his hectic schedule and nationwide travels, he still considers Michigan home. In summation, the dynamic spirit that drives his love for his ancestral heritage, also serves as the foundation and principles of his work on behalf of all Lebanese.
Last year he was pleased to serve as the Bush/Cheney ‘04 Campaign Co-Chairman, for Oakland County, Michigan. In November 2003, John ran a successful first time campaign for City Council in his native Farmington Hills, Michigan and was elected as the city’s first US-born Lebanese Councilman coming in as top vote getter in a four-person race. The youngest Member on Council, he serves a city that proudly boasts a population of nearly 85,000 residents with an annual operating budget of $75 Million and hundreds of city staff and department heads. Akouri is extremely proud of his personal background and heritage as an American of Lebanese descent, and the accomplishments the Lebanese community has achieved here in the US. Prior to his election, US Congressmen Ray Lahood (R-IL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) came to Michigan separately to campaign on behalf of his political efforts and to keynote fundraising receptions.
His family on both sides originally hail from the northern port city of Tripoli, Lebanon, and upon immigrating to the United States of America - Akouri’s grandfather was the owner/operator of a market in Detroit that survived existence during the Great Depression. Hence, the strong Lebanese qualities of community service and work ethic were passed down through the generations. His paternal grandfather was the caretaker of St. Michael Maronite Cathedral in Tripoli, Lebanon; his maternal grandmother‘s leadership led to the raising of funds and development of a new Maronite church in Detroit a half century ago; and his father has been a cantor at many Maronite churches throughout the US, Canada and Lebanon. Akouri’s cousin, Abbott Simon Atallah, is Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order and his Uncle Elias Akouri is an award-winning syndicated columnist and published author in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Akouri is a lifelong resident of Michigan and a product of the Farmington Public School system. An MBA Candidate at Lawrence Technological University and an alumnus of both Oakland Community College and Wayne State University, and as a distinguished FOX News Intern, his active involvement in politics and public affairs span the course of the past two decades. His successful “JAVA with JOHN” coffee series allows him to engage in open discussion with his constituents. Since the late 1980’s, he has been a leader in government, media and business at the local, state and national levels. A defining moment in his public career came when, as a young volunteer, he drove in the official motorcade for President Ronald Reagan on a trip to Michigan. Professionally, he has worked as a media consultant to Michigan Governor John Engler, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, U.S. Congressional Members as well as an Official Photographer for the 1996 Bob Dole Presidential Campaign.
As a charter member of the Multi-cultural Multi-racial ad-hoc committee, he was presented with the Community Council’s 2002 Rainbow Recognition Award. In 1998, he was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the prestigious Zoning Board of Appeals, where he quickly rose to the Executive position of Secretary of the Board and a member of the Michigan Society of Planning Officials. John hosted the first citywide volunteer live telethon in 1995 to aid various agencies and organizations, and from 1989-1992 served on the Committee to Increase Voter Participation Commission. Truly a hometown son, he was asked by the City Council to lead the City in the Pledge of Allegiance following September 11, 2001 during a televised council meeting at City Hall.
Called a ‘Rising Star’ by the Gannett newspapers, over the years John has appeared in several commercials airing in the Detroit Television market. He annually hosts the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Gala Benefit, which seeks to raise funds to assist children locally and for the charitable organization based in Memphis, Tennessee and to date has raised in excess of $250,000. Over the years, Akouri has served as a celebrity auctioneer, model, bachelor, judge and emcee helping to raise funds for numerous charitable and civic organizations. He proudly served on the local board of the Miss America Pageant as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee and is listed in the Who’s Who in Young Americans. He has been featured as a Lecturer, Speaker, Writer, Columnist, Presenter, Commentator, and Panelist. John is visible each and every day in all corners of the community, evident as his neighbors named him Kendallwood Farms Subdivision representative to the Council of Homeowners Association. In 2001 he received the honor of a Special Tribute and recognition by the Michigan State Senate.
Since his return from Washington, DC, Akouri, a talented professional, has worked with a number of clients as a Public Relations, Strategic Communications and Government Affairs consultant. His success is built upon the basis of establishing effective demographic relationships for his clients with local, state and national government officials, promoting their interests and building support for their issues, while providing client data information and reports to both elected officials and the general public. His combined expertise lies within the areas of Public Affairs, Media Relations, Business Law & Development, Project Management, Fundraising, Hospitality/Event Planning & Entertainment, and Community Relations. He is honored to have the respect of elected officials who sit on both sides of the aisle, which is all not too often an easy feat.
Presently, he offers his clients, which range from small to mid-size firms and organizations, the service of devising and implementing integrated successful legislative, communication and business strategies to meet their goals and objectives. Through a great deal of travel, these business clients have included key Technology Consulting Firms, Medical/Dental Management Consultants, Tier One Automotive Suppliers, Telecommunication Companies, Hotels & Conference Centers, Alternative Electric Power Marketers, Educational Facilities, Builder/Developers, Non-profit/Not-for-Profit Organizations & Human Services Community Organizations, and Overseas Import-Export firms. In 2002, through his efforts and during the visit of a non-Michigan Member of Congress, a substantial Federal appropriation was granted to a local human service and advocacy organization. In 2003, while working with Lansing officials, Akouri successfully placed one of his clients on the Gubernatorial transition team. He is now in the process of working with the international investment group General Mediterranean Holdings (developers of Beirut’s Le Royal Hotel and Watergate Park) who are looking to develop in Michigan and Illinois - following a productive meeting he arranged with the office of the County Executive.
In addition to being active with many national organizations including AUXILIA, the American Task Force for Lebanon, the Arab American Institute, the Chicago Lebanese Club and the Dearborn based Lebanese American Heritage Club; John serves on the boards of the United American Lebanese Federation and the Cathedral of St. Maron’s Maronite Church Parish Council. As past President of the Board of Directors at the Longacre House Community Center, he raised thousands of dollars for its senior citizens projects. Akouri enjoys his activity with the National Exchange Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, International Visitors Council, Chamber of Commerce, Leader Dogs for the Blind, The Salvation Army, Detroit Economic Club Junior Executives, US State Department’s IVC Global Diplomats, Peace in the World Initiative, Arab American Young Professionals Network, Southwestern Oakland County Cable Television, St. Fabian Catholic Church Parish Ministry and as a duly elected Precinct Delegate.
Akouri is widely recognized as a national leader in the Lebanese American community throughout the United States. Earlier this year, as events began to unfold almost on an hourly basis following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, Akouri was offering commentary and analysis to media outlets across the nation. Following his organizing a Memorial Service honoring the slain Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Detroit that drew over 1000 people from around the world, he has been providing news viewers, listeners & readers local opinion with national perspective. For years, Akouri has participated in high-level talks on a wide range of initiatives regarding Lebanon during private meetings in Washington, DC with key Lebanese leaders including the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Cardinal Sfeir, Lebanese Ambassador to the US, Hon. Farid Abboud, Former Lebanese President Amin Gemayel, General Michel Aoun, American University of Beirut President John Waterbury, Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser, Middle East Airlines US-Director Adib Kassis, US Secretary of Energy Hon. Spencer Abraham, US Rep. Nick Rahal (D-WV), US Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), US Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA).
Prior to the start of the Lebanese Elections, John hosted a ‘Freedom of Lebanon Day’ at City Hall Council Chambers honoring the People of Lebanon and their pursuit of freedom, sovereignty and independence. Recognizing that the Republic of Lebanon is one 15 countries that make up what is considered to be the cradle of humanity and that up to five generations of people from Lebanon have migrated to southeast Michigan in the past 100 years, making up the majority of the more than 300,000 U.S. citizens of Middle-Eastern descent who live in their, the United States, together with the rest of the international community, support the formation of a sovereign and democratic Lebanese government through the upcoming elections. The Council honored the people of Lebanon and the many citizens of Lebanese descent who live in and around Farmington Hills and thanked them for their many contributions to the community, further resolving that the City of Farmington Hills stands together with the people of Lebanon in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.
Akouri has been quoted in newspapers across the country including the Washington Times, the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit News & Free Press, the Oklahoma Daily Ardmoreite, the Michigan Arab Times, the Forum & Link, the Arab American News, the Chaldean Times, the New Jersey Star Ledger, Reuters, Gannett & the Associated Press and interviewed many times by CBS radio. Following the anticipated elections in Lebanon that began last month, Akouri was featured in a documentary filmed by Reuters Television regarding the Spring 2005 Elections. He joined national leaders from New York in discussing the impact and ramifications on the Lebanese Diaspora following the outcome of the elections. He also participated in a round-table discussion in Dearborn with a team of executives from Neilson Media Research for his input and to discuss their advertising and philanthropic support to the community with the Everyone Counts! Program and the new Local People Meter Technology.
Akouri is a longtime member of the Arab American Institute (AAI) National Policy Council, and was featured as a distinguished panelist at the AAI National Leadership Conference and also during the 2004 Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Convention in Washington, DC. He has been asked to join the membership of BRIDGES (Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity) a Michigan forum to strengthen the relationship between the Arab- American community and the Federal Government. It is widely regarded as a model of its kind. Most recently he participated along with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Mousa and dignitaries from around the world in the official VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the long awaited ACCESS Arab American National Museum.
Today, at the bequest of prominent national Lebanese American Business leaders, Akouri is heading the formation of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce. The national business organization is based in Michigan and has offices in Washington, DC, Houston, New York, and Chicago with more on the way. The Chamber will serve to actively develop, promote and advance Lebanese American business and to enhance the economic, social, educational, trade and cultural interests by providing leadership, legislative advocacy, and the exchange of business and information. It will also promote economic growth and development, expand business opportunities and heighten awareness between the Lebanese and American communities throughout the United States and Lebanon operating as an American, Michigan-based not-for-profit corporation linking business professionals locally, nationally, and globally.
From appearances in Washington Newspapers, BBC Radio and on Middle-East Television, and despite his hectic travel schedule, he still considers Michigan home. As his political journey led him to pursue a seat in the Michigan Legislature in 2002, he left our nations capital committed to mounting a strong grass-roots campaign that took him throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. A proven leader, visionary, and man of the people, he is considered to have universal appeal and the unique ability to forge coalitions among all people with the promise of honest representation. Despite his hectic schedule and nationwide travels, he still considers Michigan home. In summation, the dynamic spirit that drives his love for his ancestral heritage, also serves as the foundation and principles of his work on behalf of all Lebanese.
posted by John Akouri News Blog | 7:59:00 AM
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