DEARBORN – The Arab American Civil Rights League (ACRL) announced this week the appointment of Rana Abbas as its new executive director.  Abbas, an established community advocate and communications professional, and a resident of Northville, Michigan, is set to take the helm of the organization on November 26, 2012.  

The announcement comes on the heels of the organization’s very successful first annual banquet that was held last month in Dearborn.  The dinner, which served as a fundraiser for the group that has now only been in existence for approximately one year, drew over 1000 distinguished guests, including a number of prominent elected officials and dignitaries, namely Congressman Keith Ellison, who served as the keynote speaker of the event.

Abbas has over 14 years of solid work experience in community and public relations, spanning various industries, including non-profit, government and the private sector.  Her extensive background has allowed her to develop, implement and lead PR strategies for various clients, ranging from 1-2 person-owned companies, to major corporations, employing over 10,000 employees worldwide.

Abbas began her career with the public affairs department at the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, MI.  From there, she went on to explore broadcast media through an opportunity to work in the production department with America’s Voice, a former national political cable network, broadcasting from Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.  She turned to the non-profit sector in 2001 and served as the Public Affairs Director and spokesperson for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Michigan. She quickly moved into the position of deputy director of the organization and, through targeted fundraising, media and PR campaigns, helped further grow its mission. 

Abbas

Her most recent work turned her focus to the government sector, where she served as the Director of Corporate Communications for Global Linguist Solutions (GLS), one of the largest linguist contractors for the US Department of Defense.  In her capacity as the head of Corporate Communications, Abbas grew a fully functional and effective corporate communications program from the ground up and managed all communications activities across the company’s worldwide operations.

Abbas is a graduate of communications from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and of the Institute for Political Journalism at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.  As a result of her commitment to numerous social justice issues, she was appointed by the Governor of Michigan to serve on the State’s Women’s Commission from 2006 to 2011.

“We are excited and energized to have Rana lead the ACRL, as its new executive director,” states ACRL Board Chairman Nabih Ayad.  “I have the utmost trust in her capabilities, which I am familiar with, because of the privilege of having worked closely with her in the past.  Rana has always exercised the highest ethical and professional standards, while putting the community first.  Every path she has taken in her past has been a successful one, and she has created an undeniable blueprint for those who rely on her leadership to follow.  As the chairman and founder of the ACRL, I look forward to Rana’s leadership.  I have full faith and confidence in her.”

In a statement Abbas said, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the ACRL, which has, over the last year, established itself as a reputable and respected voice for the Arab American community within the civil rights arena.” 

She added, “It is both exciting and fulfilling to be part of an organization whose mission is to eradicate discrimination and ensure fairness among all citizens of this country during an era in which the fight for our inherent rights has never been more vital.  I look forward to bringing my background and experience to this position and further promoting this most worthy cause.”

Former ACRL Executive Director Rashid Beydoun, who tendered his resignation earlier this month for personal reasons, will remain a vital part of the organization and its operations.  “The ACRL is truly grateful for Mr. Beydoun’s service over the past year,” states Ayad.  “He has been, and will continue to be, an instrumental part of our growth.”

The ACRL is a non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting the basic civil rights and liberties of the Arab American community and promoting fairness and equal treatment among all citizens of the United States.  It was founded in November 2011 and operates out of Dearborn, Michigan.