Our Team
The people at the heart of our heritage
Linda Al Tannoury
Founder & CEO
Holds a Ph.D. in Public Law, "Conditions for Oil and Gas Investment in Lebanon," with a recommendation for publication, from the University of Le Havre Normandy in France. Worked as a parliamentary and ministerial advisor in politics, communication, and outreach, as well as supervised training and development programs at the Lebanese Ministry of Information. Expert and lecturer in United Nations programs in the fields of youth and women's empowerment, activating their political roles, explaining electoral laws, political reform, and local development. Participated as a speaker in numerous legal conferences, organized and managed a number of political meetings and diplomatic courses. Has several legal, political, and economic research papers and articles.
Ziyad Baroud
Ziyad Baroud is the former Minister of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) of the Republic of Lebanon between 2008 and 2011 in two cabinets. Under his leadership, the MoIM was awarded the 2010 United Nations Public Service Award First Prize. A court lawyer, Managing Partner at HBD-T Law Firm and arbitrator, he lectures at the Faculty of Law of Université Saint-Joseph and has a number of publications on subjects related to local governance, electoral law, decentralization, human rights, and other political and legal issues. He also worked as Senior Advisor with Booz and Co. and is the consultant to various UN Agencies and the World Bank in Lebanon. In 2004, he was elected Secretary General of the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE). He has served as Board Member of the Lebanese Chapter of Transparency International. He also sits on the Board of Notre-Dame University (NDU) and the Academic University for Non-Violence and Human Rights (AUNOHR). Ziyad Baroud is the Chairperson of the Special (governmental) Commission on Decentralization in 2013 which prepared the draft law that is currently discussed at the Parliament. Back in 2005, he was appointed by the Council of Ministers member of the blue ribbon Lebanese National Commission on Electoral Reform. Ziyad Baroud has received several awards, including the “Grand Officier de l’Ordre National du Cèdre”, “Grand Officier de L’Ordre National du Mérite de la République Française”, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) 2010 Manatt Democracy Award for his commitment to freedom and democracy, the French “Officier de la Légion d'Honneur”, the Spanish “Commandeur de Numéro de l’Ordre Civil du Mérite” and the “Star of Italy” in the rank of Commander.
Ziad Aboultaif
Ziad Aboultaif was elected to represent the riding of Edmonton Manning in the House of Commons of Canada in the October 2015 Canadian federal election. A successful business owner, devoted member of multiple community boards, and a strong advocate for live organ donations. He has travelled the world as part of his international business commitments, including travel to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and the USA, which he feels gives him a strong analytical understanding of what drives Canadian and international economies. A business owner for more than 12 years, Ziad operated an Edmonton based distribution business Axxess Furniture Inc., prior to entering politics. He is a strong advocate for small business ownership as it maintains the strength of Canadian economy and reduces the unemployment rate. His extensive work on community boards has earned him both an Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012). Further, Ziad has long been an advocate for organ and tissue donation. In 2003 he made a partial-liver donation. Ziad believes that live-organ donation is the ultimate gift and commitment to life. In Parliament Ziad is working to increase awareness on the importance of organ and tissue donation and will stand as a role model to encourage Canadians to improve the lives of others.
Mazen Malaeb
Co-Founder & Consultant
Mazen is a sessional lecturer and a Ph.D. candidate in Work Psychology/Organizational Behavior at Loughborough University - one of the UK's top 10 universities and a top 1% globally ranked business school. Also, he holds positions as a frequent teaching assistant at King’s College London and an associate lecturer at the University of Leicester – Global Study Center, having previously served as a business instructor at De Montfort University International College. Moreover, he has actively contributed as an avid researcher in organizational behavior and other relevant fields and has published some findings in high-tier international journals. Beyond academia, Mazen serves as an organizational consultant, trainer, and facilitator, adept at bridging evidence-based theoretical frameworks to high-impact real-world practical applications mainly in the areas of work and organizational behavior. Furthermore, he has cultivated profound insights and expertise into work and organizational dynamics as well as in-depth market intricacies, derived from leveraging rich and extensive professional experiences that include several roles within major local and multinational insurance organizations in Lebanon. Ultimately, he employs his professional versatility and exposure by providing consultancy services and facilitating various training and development projects across Lebanon, the Arab Gulf, and the UK.
Khadija Zahzah
Khadija Zahzah has more than 29 years of regional and international experience in human development, social and organizational development, capacity building, policy analysis, strategic planning, and education programming. Ms. Zahzah has previously worked with a number of donors, development agencies, and governmental institutions in the MENA region, including the Chemonics International, Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), UN Women, UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP, and Ministries of Education and Social Affairs across the MENA region. She assumed numerous leadership positions at the Institute for Palestinian Studies (IPS) and the Palestinian Student Fund (PSF), as well as the USAID-funded CSP’s workforce development component and Expand your Horizons program. Prior to that Ms. Zahzah held a position at the Community Development Authority – Government of Dubai - UAE as acting director of the policy department and head of program design and support, she oversaw regional programs at the Arab Council for Childhood Development in Egypt. Ms. Zahzah holds an M.A. in human development from Pacific Oaks College and a post graduate diploma in education policy analysis and planning from Harvard University; she also holds a special education specialist certificate from California State University – Long Beach- USA.
Rafik Youness
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Lebanese University for 9 years. Vice-President of the International Francophone Conference of Training for Engineers and Technicians for 6 years. International Expert in Quality and Accreditation. Advisor to the President of the Lebanese University in quality assurance and accreditation. Professor at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Engineering. Associate Professor in “Quebec University at Rimouski”. HDR from “University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines”, PhD from “Ecole Centrale de Lyon”, Master Degree from “Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne”, Engineer from “Ecole Nationale Polytechnique d’Alger”. Author of 211 various publications. Member of 2 HDR Jury. Member of 23 doctoral thesis jury. Supervisor of 36 doctoral theses. Professor visitor in 36 French and Canadian Universities. Coordinator of 8 international research projects with more than 7 millions euros budget. Founder of 4 companies : Akmam Int in Oman, Jiram in France, Edico & HyperExpert in Lebanon. 2 Patents in AI, Developer for Smartphone Engineering Applications. Best Paper for IEEE Aerospace Magazine, Several Products for Energy and Environment.
Dr. George N. Farha
George N. Farha joined AUST in the year 2001 as the Chairperson of the Communication Art Department till 2022. Currently, he is serving as the Dean of Sidon Campus from October 2023 till the present. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences from 2008 to 2013 at the American University of Science & Technology. From 1996 to 1999, he served as the Director of the School of Communication & Documentation at the Lebanese University. He also served as Chairperson of the Department of Communication at the American Lebanese University (LAU) from 1988-1995. In the year 2022, Dr. Farha joined the Arts, Science & Technology University as a Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Farha holds a Ph.D. (2001) in Political Communication and Social Sciences-Saint Esprit University. An ABD (1988) In Mass Communication-Ohio University, USA. He also holds an M.A. (1985) in Telecommunication-Kent State University, USA. Dr. Farha graduated from the Lebanese University with a B.A. degree in Political Science & Public Administration in 1981. In 1981, he was Awarded a Scholarship from the Lebanese University-School of Law & Political Science for continuing his higher education in United States of America majoring in mass media & communication. Dr. Farha had given lectures at most of the Lebanese universities: Lebanese University (LU)- Communication and Documentation School and Doctorate School; Lebanese American University (LAU)-Department of Communication; Notre Dame University (NDU)-Department of Communication; the American University of Technology (AUT)-Communication Arts Department, and the American University of Science & Technology (AUST)-Communication Arts Department. Dr. Farha also worked as a Research & Teaching Assistant at Ohio University, USA; and as Research Assistant at the Speech Communication Department, Kent State University, USA. Dr. Farha has also served as a member of too many academic committees: Academic Affairs Committee, LAU & NDU. Planning and Curriculum Development Committee, LAU & LU. Library and Publications Committee, LAU Campus Activities Committee, LAU. Chairpersons Committee, LAU & NDU. University Faculties Committee, LU. Dr. Farha served as Editorial Board member for a refereed International Journal—American Communication Journal, a scientific journal published by the Department of Social Sciences—University of Cincinnati University, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Dr. Farha served as Editorial Board member for a refereed International Journal—The Arab Journal of Human Sciences, a scientific journal published by the Council of Scientific Publication—University of Kuwait. Dr. Farha served as a Media Advisor for the Lebanese Minister of Information from 1991-1993. Dr. Farha is also a member of some academic associations: National Communication Association (NCA); International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR); and Middle East Broadcasters Association (MEB). Dr. Farha has supervised quite few theses and dissertations as an Advisor, Co-Advisor and committee member. Dr. Farha research interests include broadcast news and political communication, media stereotyping, impact of communication technologies on media industries and on the culture and economic development of Third World Countries, the use of subliminal advertising, and international communication systems.
Nathaly Farraj
A distinguished lawyer with a strong academic background and extensive professional experience. She holds a CAMS certification, demonstrating her expertise in anti-money laundering practices. She also has an LLM in Business Law, showcasing her in-depth knowledge of legal matters related to the corporate world. Furthermore, she holds another master's degree in Legal Information Technology and Intellectual Property, highlighting her specialization in these complex and crucial areas of law. Currently, Nathaly is leveraging her impressive credentials and skills at the Central Bank of Lebanon, where she plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with legal regulations. Nathaly Farraj's commitment to excellence, paired with her multifaceted legal expertise, positions her as a trusted and respected professional in the legal community.
Fadi Chahwan
Fadi Chahwan is a talk show host for several social and political shows on television and radio for over 30 years, moderator for live debates amongst politicians, media trainer, and political consultant. He is a lecturer in multiple universities in Lebanon such as Lebanese University, Antonine University, and Balamand University. He teaches undergraduate and graduate students media courses, media communication, opinion leadership, and political debates. Fadi has worked for 5 years from 2004 till 2009 as a lead news anchor at Al Hurra channel in Washington D.C for two prime-time bulletins “Word Today” and “Al Alamiya” and hosting two talk shows titled “30 minutes” and “Special Report”. In addition, he was the lead presenter covering the most important worldwide events and news such as the “Peace Process Convention from Annapolis”, the “US Elections in 2008” and the “US Primary Elections in 2008”. Since the comeback of MTV Lebanon in 2009, he has been working as Senior News Anchor, besides he is the host and editor of the daily political talk shows “Beirut Al Yawm – بيروت اليوم” and “Oussit Arar – قصة قرار”. From 2012 till 2015, he hosted the socio-political talk show “Wen Sar” on Sawt Kel Lebnen radio around political, social, and environmental topics. Moreover, Fadi is a media expert/trainer and political consultant. He conducts numerous trainings for politicians, businessmen, businesswomen, media students, journalists, youth, social and political activists in new emerging groups and political parties. He was also a consultant for several political electoral campaigns during the Parliamentary Elections in May 2018. He trains news anchoring and reporting, how to host TV or Radio political and social talk shows, how to plan a talk show format, how to rehearse for talk show hosting skills, improve on-air appearance and delivery, public speaking in the media (how to appear natural and sound conversational), body language in the media (how to look comfortable and confident), and media influence on public opinion. He played a key role as a moderator in many round tables discussing political topics with female and male leaders inside and outside Lebanon. Fighting for women’s rights and working to increase the number of women in politics was and still is one of Fadi’s main causes, therefore he has been working with Fifty Fifty Lb. NGO for more than 8 years on projects related to women’s empowerment in politics through media and public speaking training, how to debate on live political talk shows, and body language. Fadi participated in various International and Regional conferences such as in Moscow, Cairo, Alexandra, Sochi, and many more and he has published articles in many news magazines in Lebanon. He received several awards for his leading role in the media, he was chosen as the Most Objective and Civilized Presenter in 2020, one of the 100 Most Admired men and women of the Middle East, Asia Minor, and the Arab world in 2020, and Number 1 News Anchor in the Middle East for 2021.
Johnny Matar
Holder of a Master’s degree in Finance from Notre Dame University in Lebanon and a Fellowship, Life Management Institute from the Life Office Management Association in Atlanta, USA. Specialized in financial services business development, namely Risk Management, Wealth Management and Real Estate Management Setups. Experienced in Business Engineering projects ranging from Marketing Strategies, to Business plans to Sales Systems Developments and Distribution Channels implementation. Handling several Corporate Consultancy Projects within the Financial and Sales Development fields for major companies in Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. Assumed several senior executive roles in major multinational insurance companies in Lebanon namely Metlife-Lebanon, Allianz-Lebanon and Nasco Insurance Group, the latter being General Manager-Life Sales in Bankers Assurance Company, a member company of NIG Group. Founder and CEO of LionsMight Financial Management Company LLC - UAE, a company specialized in wealth management services.
Tarek Al Haraki
Holding a BS in Computer Science- American University of Beirut Holding a Teaching Diploma – AUB Holding an MBA – RHU Master practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming (Communication and Business) Cyber Security Expert Supply Chain expert Business Operations Management expert Program Manager for Cyber Security projects Project Manager for many payment systems projects Owner and Manager of FnB restaurant Owner and Manager of SD Haute Couture
Georges Saad
Former Dean of the Doctoral Institute of Law, Political Science, and Administration, Lebanese University. Professor at the Lebanese University - Faculty of Law from 1989 to 2016. Member of doctoral committees and higher studies at the Lebanese University, Arab and Islamic universities, and French universities, and supervised 15 doctorates and participated in about 80 discussions. Diploma in Research Management Qualification (HDR), Faculty of Law, Artois-Douai University. PhD in Law, New System, University of Paris VIII, in Administrative Law "Contribution to the Study of the Concept of General Legal Principles in Lebanese and French Administrative Law", University of Paris VIII. He has published numerous legal and political in-depth works and comments on the decisions of the Lebanese State Council. He has published many literary and social works, as well as several articles in newspapers and magazines. He has published many translated works.
Serene Al Srouji
Associate professor at Rafik Hariri University, College of Arts & Sciences. Graduated from the University of Texas at Austin where she completed her MFA in Design with high recognition from Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. She received her BS in Graphic Design from the Lebanese American University (LAU) where she had extensive international exposure from workshops to seminars spanning the globe (ITType, Italy; Icograda, Czech; Intermedia, Germany). Her current interest lies in design education environments that transcend traditional teaching techniques and grant insight into required skills indispensable for the influential workforce. She has also opened her own freelance design firm – Peppermint Studios, where she focuses on social media, branding, UX/UI and packaging. Digital Media Literacy Certificate, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon, 2013 Member of the Lebanese Graphic Design Syndicate.
Nijad El Asaad
TV Director Segment Editor Art Director Visual Arts Experts Music Composer Post Producer Bachelor and Master in Audio Visual and Cinema: Académie Lebanaise Des Beaux Arts(ALBA). Beirut, Lebanon 2005 Diploma in Music Theory: The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music. Beirut, Lebanon1998 TV House productions Experience - 2003 to present day: Fashion TV Arabia ,Iprod -Lebanon, Frame by Frame Prod, I magic - Lebanon, Khayal Production - Qatar, Ideas Productions – Lebanon, Sony production- Lebanon, MBC, Bullet Proof Producion-lebanon, Endemol TV Production-Lebanon, Chambre of Commerce Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount lebanon , Sugar Rush Productions, Hedgehog Productions, Klacket Productions, Different Productions, LBCI, MTV-Lebanon, UAE Space Agency-UAE Developing project concepts and directing segments. Editing, post production material and online editing. Art direction of entertainment shows live and broadcasted. Visual Effects and graphic developer for video reports and segment. Music Composer for a multiple independent short movies and documentaries.
