Update: Advancement

September 2015

LAU Health Foundation Gets New Chairman

The LAU Health Foundation welcomes Monir Barakat to the role of chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Jabbra made the announcement in an email to the board on August 24, writing:

“We are fortunate that Mr. Monir Barakat, one of the early members of the foundation’s board, has graciously agreed to assume the role of chairman. Mr. Barakat is dedicated to excellence in healthcare and has a longstanding relationship with Lebanese American University as a donor and friend.”

Barakat’s appointment follows the departure of former chairman Dr. Sami Khoury, who stepped down after serving for more than two years. Under Khoury’s leadership, the foundation secured nearly $1.5 million in gifts and pledges, including the first-ever grant from USAID’s American Schools and Hospital Abroad program.

“I want to take this occasion to extend my personal thanks to Sami for his dedication and commitment,” added Jabbra.

Barakat is the Vice Chairman and President of Wafra Capital Partners in New York City where he develops strategies for new investment products in conjunction with clients and Wafra’s business units. Prior to joining Wafra in 1999, Barakat had 20 years in senior management positions in the Arab American Bank, New York and Intercap Investments Inc., focusing on managing funds for Middle Eastern governmental entities and financial institutions.

His expertise in finance means he has been sought after by news organizations, and has been a guest on BBC, Al-Jazeera, ANN and Orbit. He has also assisted Forbes in producing its world’s richest people lists on several occasions. Barakat is an specialist in the field of Islamic banking, and has written articles on the subject.

He holds an undergraduate degree from the American University of Beirut and continued his graduate business studies at Pace University, New York.