Wassim Mahfouz is the Chief Executive Officer of LAHC-Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating transformative impact within communities. Under his leadership, the organization operates with an annual budget of 9 million dollars, allowing for substantial impact and growth. Before assuming his role at LAHC, Wassim demonstrated his exceptional skills and commitment to public service as the assistant to the Wayne County Executive for a decade-long tenure. In this influential position, he contributed extensively to the administration and governance of the county, utilizing his expertise to address key challenges and promote the well-being of its residents.
As an immigrant, Wassim holds a profound appreciation for the American Dream and has channeled his life’s work into serving others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management and pursued graduate studies in Human Resources and Organizational Development at Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, he obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration with honors from the Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan. This educational background has provided him with a solid foundation across various disciplines relevant to his work.
Wassim’s passion for social work and community service ignited at a young age when he began volunteering as a paramedic with the Red Cross. This experience instilled within him a deep sense of compassion for those in need. For the past two decades, Wassim has served as the Chief Executive Officer of LAHC, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the causes he champions.
His professional expertise encompasses public policy analysis, lobbying, corporate fundraising, research design and implementation, grant development, and negotiation. These skills have elevated him to a position of respect within his field. Wassim’s dynamic work ethic and unwavering commitment to community service, both in the nonprofit sector and government, have been instrumental in achieving personal and professional success.
As a visionary leader, Wassim has spearheaded the growth of LAHC by implementing innovative programs and initiatives that cater to the diverse needs of seniors, youth, children, and families. He is a steadfast advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of these programs extend to individuals of all backgrounds, including different races, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Through strategic outreach efforts, Wassim has fostered partnerships with corporate, governmental, and educational entities, enabling the organization to expand its annual operating budget to 9 million dollars and continue its trajectory of growth.
Wassim serves on the boards of BRIDGES- Building Respect in Diverse Groups to Enhance Sensitivity, FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association, Homeland Security Investigations Citizens Academy, AAPAC, and WXYZ Channel 7 Community Advisory. Notable past board affiliations include his appointment by Governor Granholm to the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Advisory Board, where he served as Vice President. He also served on the board of ACCESS, The United States Army Grassroots Advisory Board, Universal Learning Academy, and The Arab American and Chaldean Council.
Wassim Mahfouz’s life and work epitomize a profound commitment to community service, advocacy, and the pursuit of a better future for all. As a driven visionary leader, Wassim remains deeply committed to continual learning and professional growth, leveraging opportunities to expand his expertise, refine his leadership and stay abreast of emerging trends to drive organizational excellence.
Wassim Mahfouz