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Our experienced and talented Board of Directors has more than 75 combined years of service to the Armenian community. SOAR has no paid employees, and SOAR's Board of Directors and Partners in Armenia volunteer their time. If you would like to reach any member of our Board, please feel free to contact them by email.
 George S. Yacoubian, Jr., J.D., Ph.D.
President
gyacoubian@soar-us.org
George S. Yacoubian, Jr. has a Master’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Management, and a J.D. from the Rutgers University School of Law. He is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Transnational Law from the Temple University School of Law. He is in private practice specializing in criminal defense and family law, with a particular interest in international adoption law. He is Core Faculty with the Criminal Justice Institute of Nova Southeastern University. He and his wife Erica live in Philadelphia, PA, and adopted a baby girl (Liliana) from Armenia in April 2006. They conceived of the idea of SOAR during a visit to an orphanage in the summer of 2005.
 Hagop Keshishian, P.E.
Vice-President
Hagop Keshishian, PE has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds a Professional Engineer License in the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is a New Jersey Certified Municipal Engineer. Currently Hagop performs engineering and project management services for a construction company and a development company in Philadelphia. Hagop is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Hagop presently resides in Abington, PA.
 George S. Yacoubian
Treasurer
George S. Yacoubian is a 1959 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. For many years he owned and operated a retail pharmacy, retiring in 1999. For over 40 years he has been an active member of a panoply of organizations including the Armenian Assembly, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Armenian Students' Association and the Knights of Vartan. He is also a past president of the Haverford Club of Rotary International.
 Susan Harootunian, B.A..
Secretary
Susan R. Harootunian earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Elementary and Special Education at Holy Family University and is certified to teach in Pennsylvania. Susan teaches young children with autism at Easter Seals Delaware County Division. In August of 2005, Susan traveled to Armenia to adopt and bring home her baby daughter, Anna. She hopes that her efforts with SOAR will help improve the quality of life for the many children left behind. Susan and her husband Paul live in West Chester, PA with their two children, Paul and Anna.
 Tanya M. Bardakjian, M.S.
Tanya M. Bardakjian has a Master of Science degree in genetic counseling. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors. She practices at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA and is the coordinator of the anophthalmia genetic research program. She has authored many scientific publications in the field of Genetics. She is a clinical supervisor for genetic counseling students from Arcadia University and lectures to medical students and medical residents regularly. She, her husband and three daughters live in Media, PA.
 Jack E. Kazanjian, D.O., FAOAO
Jack E. Kazanjian, D.O., FAOAO, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Bucknell University and his medical degree, in 1998, from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at PCOM's affiliated hospitals and a fellowship in sports medicine and adult reconstruction at The Hughston Clinic in Columbus, GA. Dr. Kazanjian is board certified in orthopedic surgery and currently resides and practices in Delaware County, PA. A former college athlete, he is a member of several professional societies and oversees all SOAR activities related to medicine and the delivery of medical services.
 Asadur Minasian
Asadur Minasian earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology with a Minor in Pre-Law from Widener University. After graduating from Widener, he was offered a position at MBNA America as a Fraud Investigator. Asadur was responsible for investigating fraudulent activities on customer accounts. After 4 yrs with MBNA, Asadur wanted to do what he truly loved, and that was work with Art and Custom Framing. He established Masterpieces Fine Art & Custom Framing, Inc. in 2002 and is currently the President of the company. Asadur recognizes that many Armenians, young and old, are great artists and displays art direct from Armenia. He is currently a member of the PPFA (Professional Picture Framers Association) and currently resides in Newtown Square with his wife Arpy and 3 children Vahe, Sareen, and Nare.
 Denise Sisian
Denise Sisian has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Delaware. For the past 20 years, she has been working in Human Resources at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange. In 1997 she was promoted to Director. While Denise is familiar with all aspects of the department, her focus has been on benefits and employee relations. In August of 2005, she traveled to Armenia with her cousin, Susan Harootunian and godson, Pauile, to pick up her goddaughter, Anna. Her most memorable moment was having the honor of carrying baby Anna out of the orphanage. Since then, Denise has been committed to helping other orphans and believes SOAR's efforts will make a difference in these children's lives.
 Arpie Zerounian, M.A.
Arpie Zerounian has a Master of Arts degree in Education from LaSalle University. She holds a dual certificate in elementary and special education. Arpie is a senior career teacher in the School District of Philadelphia where she has been a dedicated educator of underprivileged students for 19 years. Arpie is active in various aspects of the Armenian community. She volunteers her time as a parish council member, and can often be found working at bazaars, auctions, picnics and other community activities. Arpie enjoys traveling and can be considered a world traveler. In addition to visiting Armenia multiple times, she has been to Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Ireland. Arpie looks forward to making a difference in the lives of Armenian orphans in her work with SOAR.
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