Experience

Massachusetts Municipal Association

• United States
• Government Relations Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Policy Committee on Public Works, Transportation and Public Utilities, Appointed Member

  • Feb 2023 - Present

  Boston, Massachusetts, United States



Town of Natick, Select Board

• Member (Elected)

  • Mar 2022 - Present

  Natick, MA Serve as an elected member of a 5 member board which is the executive branch of our town government.



Global Research Group, Inc.

• President

  • May 2021 - Present

  Natick, Massachusetts, United States



Sherborn Wine & Spirits

• Owner

  • May 2017 - May 2021

  Sherborn, Massachusetts I purchased a liquor store in 2017 and transformed it into a fine wine and spirits store with a curated collected of wines from small family farms, many of which are vegan, organic, biodynamic, natural and/or estates which practiced sustainable farming methods. I added an extensive collection of hyperlocal craft beers and small batch spirits, many of which were also locally produced. Over my four years of ownership, I increased gross revenue by 72%, doubled retained earnings, and increased… Show more I purchased a liquor store in 2017 and transformed it into a fine wine and spirits store with a curated collected of wines from small family farms, many of which are vegan, organic, biodynamic, natural and/or estates which practiced sustainable farming methods. I added an extensive collection of hyperlocal craft beers and small batch spirits, many of which were also locally produced. Over my four years of ownership, I increased gross revenue by 72%, doubled retained earnings, and increased enterprise value by 51%. I implemented a rare and fine wine program, and created processes and policies designed to increase sales, positive reviews, and profit margins. During the pandemic, I built an e-commerce site to meet the growing demand for delivery and curb-side service. The store became a community resource, donating and supporting the town's non-profits; each year, the store donated between 3-5% of gross profits to area non-profits. Show less



Harvard University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Executive Director, Alwaleed Islamic Studies Program

  • Dec 2011 - Sep 2016

  Harvard University, Cambridge MA Responsible for AISP’s overall strategic, programmatic, and financial management, including academic programming, conference planning, resource development for planned initiatives, internal (Harvard University) and external communications, financial management for budget compliance, and fiscal planning for program growth. Create and execute social media strategies; re-design and develop website content for the program. Ensure compliance with Harvard University’s and the Faculty of Arts &… Show more Responsible for AISP’s overall strategic, programmatic, and financial management, including academic programming, conference planning, resource development for planned initiatives, internal (Harvard University) and external communications, financial management for budget compliance, and fiscal planning for program growth. Create and execute social media strategies; re-design and develop website content for the program. Ensure compliance with Harvard University’s and the Faculty of Arts & Sciences’ (FAS) policies and procedures in human resources; risk management; intellectual property; development and fundraising; faculty and visiting scholar, and fellow appointments. Develop and implement sound financial practices, including the preparation and submission of the program’s annual budget to the Provost and Dean of FAS. Represent AISP and its mission to academic partners, community organizations, potential donors, and government entities.

• Director of Research Development, FAS

  • Sep 2009 - Jan 2012

  Harvard University Developed a comprehensive strategy for identifying and providing funding sources for faculty in the arts and humanities and social science divisions, with a focus on non-federal funding. Served as the primary contact for research funding for 434 tenured and tenure-track faculty, developing a comprehensive array of grants-related programs and resources. Worked closely with the Divisional Deans’ offices, the Office of the Vice-Provost for Research, Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Office of… Show more Developed a comprehensive strategy for identifying and providing funding sources for faculty in the arts and humanities and social science divisions, with a focus on non-federal funding. Served as the primary contact for research funding for 434 tenured and tenure-track faculty, developing a comprehensive array of grants-related programs and resources. Worked closely with the Divisional Deans’ offices, the Office of the Vice-Provost for Research, Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Office of Technology Development and research administrators, with the goal of effectively supporting faculty research. Advised the Vice-Provost for Research, Divisional Deans, and the Associate Dean for Sponsored Research on research and resource development university-wide.

• Research Fellow, Ctr for Middle Eastern Studies

  • Sep 2007 - Sep 2009

  Harvard University Researched and identified potential foundational, private and government funding sources for a project in the Center for Middle East Studies; extensive grant writing and project support for an online database project ("Islamopedia"); developed a unique back-end database and webtool for website; effectively worked with staff, faculty, students and donors to advance the project.



Town of Natick

• United States
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Vice-Chairman, Zoning Board of Appeals

  • Sep 2009 - Oct 2014

  Zoning Board of Appeals, Town of Natick, MA Natick's Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five regular members and three associate members, all appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Five members sit on each case brought before the Board. They have the power to hear and decide the following petitions: appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector; special permits as allowed within the Natick Zoning Bylaws; variances from the Natick Zoning Bylaws; appeals in accordance with Section 8 of Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws and… Show more Natick's Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five regular members and three associate members, all appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Five members sit on each case brought before the Board. They have the power to hear and decide the following petitions: appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector; special permits as allowed within the Natick Zoning Bylaws; variances from the Natick Zoning Bylaws; appeals in accordance with Section 8 of Chapter 40A of Massachusetts General Laws and variances for commercial and residential properties. Show less



Global Research Group, Inc.

• President and Director of Reseach

  • May 2002 - Dec 2007

  Cambridge, MA Directed research on various topics, including human and women’s rights in the larger Muslim world; presented at conferences, symposia and delivered lectures in the US and abroad. Served as a consultant to U.S. State Department, National Geographic, the U.S. Census Bureau (International Division), Smithsonian Institute and the Human Rights Association (Nazareth, Israel) on issues pertaining to the Muslim world. Issues covered included impact of U.S. foreign policy on non-Middle Eastern Muslim… Show more Directed research on various topics, including human and women’s rights in the larger Muslim world; presented at conferences, symposia and delivered lectures in the US and abroad. Served as a consultant to U.S. State Department, National Geographic, the U.S. Census Bureau (International Division), Smithsonian Institute and the Human Rights Association (Nazareth, Israel) on issues pertaining to the Muslim world. Issues covered included impact of U.S. foreign policy on non-Middle Eastern Muslim countries, globalization, and the status of women under contemporary Islamic legal systems. Global Research Group, Inc.(GRG) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public diplomacy in the Muslim world, defined broadly as areas which are historically Islamic in civilization and culture or which self-identify as Muslim. Show less



American Islamic Congress

• Dir. Mid East & N Africa Programs, Director of Operations

  • Oct 2004 - Nov 2007

  Directed and managed research, development and humanitarian projects in the Middle East and North Africa, including conferences, symposia, workshops, public forums and training seminars. Developed and managed partnerships with international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, US and international universities and think-tanks, US and foreign governments, media, donors and foundations. Developed program-specific fund-raising strategies and secured government and private funding through… Show more Directed and managed research, development and humanitarian projects in the Middle East and North Africa, including conferences, symposia, workshops, public forums and training seminars. Developed and managed partnerships with international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, US and international universities and think-tanks, US and foreign governments, media, donors and foundations. Developed program-specific fund-raising strategies and secured government and private funding through grant-writing and direct solicitation. Navigated the organization through A-133 federal program and financial audit processes for four fiscal years. Show less



Georgetown University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Assistant Director, Alwaleed Ctr for Muslim-Christian Understanding

  • 1999 - 2001

  School of Foreign Service Assist the Center Director in the day-to-day operations of the Center, as well as participate in long-range academic, programmatic and fiscal planning. Supervise staff and directly oversee Center conferences, symposia, lectures series and events. Responsible for all academic administration for Center including coordination of academic programs. Research and draft grant proposals; develop and implement strategies for Center visibility with donors and potential donors. Develop and administer… Show more Assist the Center Director in the day-to-day operations of the Center, as well as participate in long-range academic, programmatic and fiscal planning. Supervise staff and directly oversee Center conferences, symposia, lectures series and events. Responsible for all academic administration for Center including coordination of academic programs. Research and draft grant proposals; develop and implement strategies for Center visibility with donors and potential donors. Develop and administer $1.5 million annual budget; write and review budget forecasts and cost analysis reports. Show less