Longtime Philanthropist and TUMO Co-Founder Sam Simonian was elected President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), officially taking over as the organization’s eighth president, following the retirement of long-serving President Berge Setrakian after 22 years, reports Zartonk Media.
Setrakian stepped down after 22 years in the role and 47 years on the Central Board, in accordance with the age limit requirements of the AGBU bylaws. Following his retirement, Setrakian joined the AGBU Council of Trustees. Simonian, who was unanimously recommended as his successor and the organization’s eighth president by the AGBU Central Board and Council of Trustees on February 24 earlier this year, was formally elected during AGBU’s 93rd General Assembly in New York City on October 12, 2024.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II congratulated Berge Setrakian for his two decades of serving as the president of the AGBU on October 12, the final day of the charitable organization’s general assembly in New York. The Armenian Apostolic Church Supreme Patriarch expressed confidence that incoming AGBU President Sam Simonian will continue to lead the organization with the same zeal and effectiveness. He emphasized that the AGBU has made a great contribution to the progress of Armenia, both during the Soviet years and after the re-establishment of independent statehood and has implemented praiseworthy projects for the building and strengthening of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh. He also noted AGBU’s assistance in supporting Armenians displaced from Artsakh.
Commenting on the security challenges facing the Armenian people today, Catholicos Karekin II said: “In such a situation, the disunity and division in our national life are worrying, which are obstacles to the consolidation of the national potential of the motherland, the normal development of Armenia-Diaspora relations, confronting the most serious problems, and preserving the national identity, which have always been the priorities of the Armenian General Benevolent Union.”
Reflecting on the legacy of AGBU and its future under Simonian’s leadership, Setrakian said during his farewell address: “Today, I am making a farewell speech of my own, as this will be the last time that I chair the proceedings of an AGBU General Assembly as President. No matter the state of the statehood, AGBU will invest to ensure there is opportunity for the people of Armenia to thrive.”
Simonian, a longtime member of the AGBU Council of Trustees and Central Board member from 2000 to 2019, brings decades of experience and dedication to the Armenian community. His lifelong involvement with AGBU, along with his notable achievements as a business entrepreneur, engineering professional, and philanthropist, positions him to continue the legacy of the organization. Together with his wife, Sylva, both graduates of AGBU schools in Lebanon, Simonian co-founded the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Armenia. The innovative afterschool learning program has expanded globally, empowering students to develop skills in technology and design and enhancing their global competitiveness.
In his acceptance speech, Simonian expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead AGBU, saying, “I am truly honored to stand on the shoulders of the many distinguished”¯AGBU leaders who have come before me. Their dedication, imagination, and tireless work have laid a strong foundation”¯for the future.”¯”¯And so,”¯with a deep sense of responsibility, I”¯proudly”¯accept the torch they have passed on”¯to me.”¯”
Simonian’s career is as impressive as his commitment to the Armenian community. He co-founded Inet Technologies in 1989, a telecommunications company specializing in Network Management and Business Operational Solutions. In 1994, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Inc. magazine, Ernst & Young, and Merrill Lynch. He received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in May 2000 and was the recipient of Armenia’s highest award”the Anania Shirakatsi Medal”for his considerable contribution to preserving Armenian identity, services to the Motherland, and fostering friendly relationships between Armenia and foreign states. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, and based in Dallas, Texas, Simonian is both a product and champion of the Armenian community.
As Simonian assumes the role of president, the AGBU embarks on a new chapter while remaining anchored in its mission of promoting Armenian heritage, culture, and community development worldwide.
