Anwar Khan
Alexandria, VA – Islamic Relief USA has named longtime executive Anwar Khan as the president of the non-profit humanitarian and advocacy organization. Khan takes over the position effective immediately.
“This is an excellent opportunity for me to advocate to our stakeholders, government officials, and other people in important positions about the altruistic work Islamic Relief does around the world in mitigating poverty and hunger and instilling a greater sense of social justice,” Khan said. “I feel blessed to have been part of this wonderful organization ever since the beginning. I have seen it grow from only a handful of people to a much larger operation, with several satellite offices, a dedicated workforce, and generous volunteers. I will work hard to take Islamic Relief to the next level.”
Khan possesses an intimate knowledge of the issues Islamic Relief USA has worked on since its inception in 1993. Over the years, he has worked up the ranks, serving as the organization’s programs director, fund-raising manager, and chief executive officer. He has addressed the need to intervene in areas considered conflict zones, to stanch hunger and famine. Khan also helped foster strong relationships with other humanitarian and non-profit organizations, often collaborating on projects.
As Islamic Relief USA approaches its 25th anniversary next year, Khan said he wants the organization to continue to grow and be an influential force in driving social policies in Washington that could help alleviate many of the problems that exist in the 40-plus countries it works in, including the United States.
In addition to driving policy, Khan also wants to help implement innovative techniques to attract new donors, helping to augment its loyal and longtime donor base of approximately 80,000 funders.
“In order to continue to grow and evolve, we have to be innovative. We don’t abandon the people or principles that have gotten us this far,” Khan continued. “We need to remain proactive and add new sources of energy, inspiration, and wisdom. It is by taking these steps that Islamic Relief USA will continue making differences around the world, undertaking a greater number of effective projects to help provide clean water, reduce hunger, protect the environment, increase access to education and health care, and promote self-reliance.”
Now that Khan is president, Sharif Aly will serve as interim CEO during the search process. Aly said Khan’s extensive experience and knowledge of the issues will continue to serve Islamic Relief well on a global level.
“Brother Anwar has lead the growth of Islamic Relief since the beginning, helping it become a major and well-respected force within the humanitarian and development community,” Aly said. “His continued presence and leadership will ensure Islamic Relief USA will have the seasoned, institutional knowledge that can only benefit it and, by extension, the world.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Minhaj Hassan
[email protected] or (703) 370-7246
XXX
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.