AHMED SHEHATA
Chief Executive Officer
Ahmed Shehata is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA). In this role, Shehata oversees a portfolio of programs surpassing $350 million in domestic and international relief and development projects, designed to deliver immediate, long-term, and sustainable solutions to the most complex humanitarian crises.
For nearly two decades, Shehata has served in the humanitarian space, distinguishing himself as an expert in the American-Muslim philanthropic, community development, and humanitarian nongovernmental organization (NGO) sector. Shehata has led innovative efforts to address the rapidly growing refugee response. In 2024, Shehata spearheaded a strategic partnership between Islamic Relief USA and USA for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (USA for UNHCR), committing $25 million over five years to support refugees worldwide.
Shehata was appointed as a UNHCR Eminent Advocate in recognition of his deep commitment to supporting refugees, both in his personal capacity and as CEO of IRUSA. He holds a Master of Science (MS) in Management and a Master of Arts (MA) in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Shehata drives impact by delivering beneficiary-relevant outcomes and positioning IRUSA as a trusted partner in the philanthropic arena.
ARAIF YUSUFF
Chief Operating Officer
Araif Yusuff serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA). In this executive role, Yusuff optimizes the organization’s daily operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and strategic alignment. He directs the Programs Department and oversees a $350 million portfolio of disaster relief and development programs in the US and globally.
As COO, Yusuff developed a five-year strategy to expand IRUSA’s domestic presence, with a particular focus on healthcare, food insecurity, and disaster management. Under his leadership, IRUSA has become a key player in refugee resettlement. Furthermore, Yusuff strengthened IRUSA’s relationship with the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has led staff and volunteers through dozens of emergency response initiatives throughout the United States.
Beyond his role at IRUSA, Yusuff serves as the Vice Chair of the New Jersey State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NJVOAD), President of the Board of Directors for New York’s Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), a board member for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD), and an advisory board member for the New York City Faith Sector Community Preparedness Program (FSCPP). He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY).
MAHA SAYED
Chief of Staff
Maha Sayed is the Chief of Staff at Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), where she supports executive leadership and drives strategic priorities across the organization.
As Chief of Staff, Sayed works closely with executive and board leadership to streamline operations, enhance cross-departmental coordination, and support the implementation of strategic priorities. Sayed also serves as the key advisor on legal, compliance, and governance matters, as well as risk management and external affairs. In this capacity, Sayed helps ensure the organization upholds its faith-based values while maximizing its impact in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Prior to assuming this role, Sayed served in a variety of legal and leadership roles across the nonprofit and public sectors over nearly a decade. She has served as a staff attorney for both national civil rights and state legal services organizations. Sayed represented individuals facing discrimination in employment, in schools, and while traveling, and litigated cases on behalf of vulnerable individuals experiencing challenges with housing, public benefits, and healthcare access.
Sayed obtained her Juris Doctor (JD) from Pennsylvania State University’s Dickinson School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Government and International Politics from George Mason University, graduating summa cum laude.
MOHAMED ELIBIARY
Chief External Affairs Officer
Mohamed Elibiary is the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) for Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), where he leads the newly established Department of External Affairs (DEA). His appointment marks a strategic milestone in IRUSA’s institutional growth, centralizing its most critical outreach functions under his leadership and integrating vetted US government national security expertise into the humanitarian sector. As CEAO, he directs a broad scope of responsibilities, including government relations, media relations, communications, and strategic diplomatic initiatives. Leveraging his extensive background in government and media, Elibiary ensures IRUSA’s lifesaving work is conducted with the highest standards of American due diligence and strategic diplomacy.
Elibiary’s career demonstrates a profound dedication to US security and values. In 2010, Secretary Janet Napolitano swore him onto the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Advisory Council (HSAC), where he offered high-level counsel on policy. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recognized his contributions to public safety with the Louis E. Peters Memorial Award, the highest civilian honor for service to the FBI’s national security mission. Furthermore, he has served as a terrorism and radicalization consultant for the Public Defenders Office in several high-profile federal terrorism cases, providing nuanced analysis that bridges the divide between law enforcement and community realities. Elibiary has also advised on US counterterrorism policy and homegrown radicalization dynamics through expert testimony before the United States Congress.
Having served under both Republican and Democratic administrations at the state and federal levels, Elibiary’s distinct background as a lifelong Texas Muslim Republican has garnered significant media attention. He has been profiled or cited in major national media, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Fox News, CNN, and the Dallas Morning News. These features frequently highlight his successful efforts in fostering cooperation between American Muslim communities and law enforcement, challenging Islamophobia, and maintaining a rigorous focus on national security. For over twenty-five years, Elibiary has been a leader in Muslim-Jewish community relations, working to combat both Islamophobia and antisemitism through various roles.
TAMMAM DANDASHI
Director of IT and Systems
Tammam Dandashi joined Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) in 2017 and currently serves as Director of Information Technology and Systems.
Dandashi holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Tulane University and a Master of Science (MS) from the University of New Orleans, both in electrical engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University. Before joining IRUSA, Dandashi was in cybersecurity, and worked on safeguarding the networks and digital assets of large corporations.
In his free time, Dandashi is passionate about assisting community-based nonprofits achieve their missions. Over the years, he has served on the boards of local, national, and interfaith nonprofits in various capacities.
REEM EL-KHATIB
Interim Director of Marketing
Reem El-Khatib currently serves as interim Director of Marketing for Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA). She graduated from George Mason University with a dual Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Art, and has an extensive career history, spanning more than 20 years, within the communications, marketing, and nonprofit spheres.
First joining IRUSA in 2011 as a Communications Specialist, El-Khatib focused on telling the stories of the people served through humanitarian interventions, and then amplifying them via various marketing channels. During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in optimizing IRUSA’s digital footprint; refining its storytelling strategy to set a high standard for writing and proofreading; building the foundation of IRUSA’s social media presence; expanding IRUSA’s omnichannel marketing portfolio; and helping grow IRUSA’s online donation revenue every year for the past 14 years. Her efforts have ensured that audiences nationwide are aware of IRUSA’s impactful humanitarian work and are inspired to support its mission.
One of her proudest achievements is seeing the individuals she has coached overcome challenges and rise to excel as leaders in their fields.
Outside of her work, El-Khatib enjoys teaching Yoga Sculpt, celebrating her Palestinian culture, and spending time with her family and friends.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AHMED AZAM
Chairman
Ahmed Azam is an information science and technology engineer with over 24 years of university teaching experience in the greater Los Angeles area. Azam holds a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Computer Science and Master’s in Information Science and Technology as well as a Master’s Information Systems Management (MISM). Azam is a member of the Operation Research Society of America, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and American Society for Engineering Education.
Azam is an active member of the American Muslim community in the Los Angeles area and has held several leadership positions on both local and national nonprofit and humanitarian organizations. Azam serves on the Board of Trustees of one of the largest and most diverse Islamic organizations in North America. As a founding member of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Azam served in multiple capacities including the Board of Directors and Vice President. Azam was a founder of the Islamic Center of Hawthorne and has served as President of the mosque for over 25 years.
GREGORY ABDULLAH MITCHELL
Member
Gregory Abdullah Mitchell, a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, joined the IRUSA board in 2021. He has 25 years of experience serving on boards in Chicago and on the national level. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience concerning not-for-profit organizations.
Mitchell currently serves as the Executive Director at CIOGC, where, for over two decades, the group has served as the unifying force of 60 member organizations in Illinois. He is heavily involved in developing programs for the youth and focusing to help represent a wide array of ethnicities, races, and cultures including African Americans, Nigerians, South Asians, Arabs, Bosnians, Albanians, Turks, Latinos, Caucasians, and many more. Mitchell brings these extraordinary communities together in cooperation and collaboration to engage and work with the interfaith community, government, media, and the public in general.
HUSSEIN ATA
Member
Hussein Ata is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago and holds a degree in Electronics and Electromagnetics Engineering (BSEE). Ata has extensive professional experience in nuclear technology and held several leadership positions, while maintaining a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate and supervise nuclear power reactors at the Exelon Nuclear Dresden Power Station.
Ata currently serves as chairman of one of the largest and most diverse Islamic conventions in North America. He has also held various senior leadership positions and served on the Board of Directors of major American Muslim nonprofit organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area. Ata is an active member of the local Chicago Muslim community and is the Vice President of his local mosque, where he previously served as President and Chairman of the Board.
KHALED ALBADAWI
Member
Khaled Albadawi is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader in the greater Seattle area. He began his career in the finance industry after completing his education, gaining valuable experience in finance and management. Albadawi worked as a CPA for big four firms and some of the largest and most successful technology companies in America, honing his understanding of the sector and its challenges in senior roles.
In 2020, Albadawi founded Diwan Accounting, a business that has quickly become a success. The company empowers smaller organizations that require high-caliber professional accounting but do not necessarily have the budget. Today, Diwan Accounting is a leading provider of cutting-edge accounting and finance solutions and services, with a reputation for excellence and innovation.
Albadawi is a committed philanthropist, dedicated to supporting charitable causes in his home country and beyond. He is actively involved in promoting education, healthcare, and economic development, serving as a treasurer on the board of Islamic Relief USA.
DR. ESAM OMEISH
Member
Dr. Esam Omeish is an experienced surgeon and a prominent civic leader in the Washington, DC area and the nationwide Muslim-American community. Dr. Omeish recently joined the national board of Islamic Relief USA, a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides aid in more than 40 countries around the world. His commitment to public service has been a constant throughout his life, ever since Dr. Omeish immigrated to the US as a teenager with his family in the early 1980s.
Dr. Omeish’s extensive list of civic leadership activities include serving as president of national nonprofits and chairman of the board of local and regional organizations. In addition, Dr. Omeish chaired the board of a community medical clinic that provided free healthcare to those in need. Dr. Omeish ran for the Democratic nomination in the 35th District of the Virginia House of Delegates election in 2009, becoming the first Muslim-American in the state to run for office.
A diplomat with the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Omeish is the chairman of the Department of General Surgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Northern Virginia. Dr. Omeish has served in this capacity since 2006 and has worked at the hospital for more than two decades. He was the surgeon on call at the facility following the September 11 terrorist attacks. In 2005, he received the Outstanding Physician and Surgeon Award from Consumer Reports, and in 2007, he was named Outstanding Physician of the Year.
Dr. Omeish earned his MD from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a general surgery internship and residency at Rutgers Medical School. He has performed thousands of surgeries throughout his career.
Dr. Esam Omeish has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, and ABC News, and has been quoted in several major publications, including The Washington Post and Los Angeles Times. He has been actively involved in Washington, DC, political circles for more than 25 years. Dr. Omeish and his wife have been married for 30 years and have four children together.
