Babak Hoghooghi to Step Down as PAAIA’s Executive Director at the end of 2009

September 11, 2009, Washington D.C. – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) announced today that Babak Hoghooghi will be stepping down from his role as the organization’s Executive Director at the end of 2009.  Hoghooghi has been leading PAAIA since its inception in August 2007 and will, at the invitation of the organization’s Board of Directors, continue to serve as a member of the Board.

“Babak has been instrumental in taking PAAIA from a mere concept to a 2000-member organization over the last two years.  His passion for the community and moral compass have kept the organization on an even keel during its early life,” said Hamid Biglari, Chairman of the Board of PAAIA.  “The Board has been exceptionally lucky to have him as the organization’s first leader and is delighted that he has accepted our invitation to continue his association as a regular Board member.”

During his tenure at PAAIA, among other things, Hoghooghi oversaw the organization’s public launch in April 2008, its merger with the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) in July of that year, and its growth to an organization with five local chapters and more than 2000 members nationally.

“While much work remains to be done to fully realize the potential of PAAIA, what we have so far been able to accomplish on behalf of the Iranian American community is a source of great pride and fulfillment for me,” said Babak Hoghooghi.  “Building PAAIA from scratch has been challenging, exciting and at times difficult, but I have been fortunate to enjoy the unwavering support of many distinguished board members and staff whose commitment, selfless devotion and brilliance have been a constant source of strength and wisdom, for which I am most grateful.”

To ensure an orderly transition, PAAIA will be conducting a nationwide search to identify and hire the organization’s next Executive Director.