Diocese Brings on Executive Director

The last half of 2002 saw the Diocese bring on a new executive director.  Dr. Sam Mikaelian is now responsible for the daily operation and direction of the Diocesan programs. 

During the few months he was with the Diocese in 2002, Dr. Mikaelian studied the Diocese to fully understand its daily activities, and worked with lay leaders and clergy to create a roadmap to strengthen the organization in the future.

Dr. Mikaelian is a longtime public school superintendent from suburban Chicago with deep roots in the Armenian Church community and a history of leadership in the St. James Church of Evanston, IL.  Most recently he was superintendent of schools in Wilmette, IL. 

In his new role with the Diocese, he will serve as executive director, a position funded by a special endowment by anonymous donors. 

As executive director, Dr. Mikaelian is the chief administrator of the Diocese, handling internal working of the organization and overseeing its delivery of services and projects to the community.  He reports directly to Archbishop Barsamian.

"I am confident that having Dr. Mikaelian join the Diocese will increase our ability to meet the needs of the faithful in our Diocese," the Primate said.  "His skills and organization will compliment our dedicated staff's efforts to achieve our Diocesan intent: that the Armenian Church is significant in the life of every Armenian and his or her family living in the Eastern Diocese."

Dr. Mikaelian will direct all aspects of the Diocesan programs, supervising the three current directors; Director of Finance and Administration Guy Pontillo, Director of Programs and Ministries Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, and Director of Communications and Development George Kassis (who also serves as executive director of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund).

As executive director, Dr. Mikaelian plans to enhance the concept of the Diocese as a "service center."  The Diocese, he said, should efficiently provide tools, information, and guidance to help all Armenians grow spiritually and, in some way, find a closer connection to their heritage.

A native of Racine, WI, and formerly a member of St. Mesrob Church, Dr. Mikaelian is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.  He also has a master's degree from Columbia University in New York City and a doctorate from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Dr. Mikaelian retired from the Wilmette school system in 1998.  He had served as the district superintendent since 1967.  He has also served as a senior consultant for the national executive search firm of Hazard, Young, and Attea, which is based in Illinois.

"My years as an administrator have given me many tools and skills I believe will help continue the Diocese's growth and strengthen its organization," Dr. Mikaelian said. 

"I am dedicated to this position and to making the Diocese the best organization it can be," he said.  "I hope that someday I can look back on my tenure at the Diocese and see that I, with the help of the Armenian community, made it a better organization and a stronger community.  This is everyone's church, and all comments and thoughts are always welcome."