AYF Hires New Executive Director

The AYF Western Region announced today that Stepan Keshishian will serve as its newly hired Executive Director (ED). Keshishian is a long-time AYF leader and activist who recently relocated to Los Angeles from Boston, MA.

“I am very excited and honored to serve as the new AYF Executive Director,” stated Keshishian. “I am wholeheartedly dedicated to advancing the mission of the organization and sincerely believe that the AYF enables our youth to emerge as strong leaders, and to bring a positive change to the world around them.”

Among other duties, the new ED will be responsible for carrying out various strategic operations of the AYF and planning long-term projects in the region. The position is also tasked with collecting relevant statistical data, coordinating ARF youth related activities in the Western US, and strengthening AYF activism through outreach and advisory assistance.

“I couldn’t think of a better qualified person to take over this important position,” said Serouj Aprahamian, the outgoing AYF Executive Director who served in the position for the last three years. “I’m very confident that Unger Stepan will build on the achievements of the past and help advance the magnitude of the AYF’s work even further in the future.”

Keshishian has long been an active member of the AYF Eastern Region, having served on the ER Central Executive, the Greater Boston “Njdeh” Executive, and as chairperson of the PR Central Council. He also served as Coordinator of the AYF Internship in Armenia during 2012, where his efforts led to a tremendous growth in volunteers and publicity.

Within the Greater Boston Armenian community, Keshishian has been involved in various activities, including the ANCA 5^th Annual Regional Banquet, the Boston Kermesse, and as Co-Editor of The Armenian Weekly’s Youth Page. He is also a two-time AYF Youth Corps alumnus, through which he has met and developed strong relationships with many western region AYF members.

Aprahamian is currently orientating and training Keshishian in various aspects of the position to ensure a seamless transition for the new ED.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization in the United States, working to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.