Lydia Kurkjian, Chair
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church, White Plains, NY

Lydia has been a dedicated member of the ACYOA for many years. Her involvement has included chairing her local chapter, serving as a delegate to the General Assembly, chairing the 2008 Nominating Committee, and co-chairing the 2009 General Assembly & Sports Weekend.

Lydia has served the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in other capacities as well. She was office coordinator for two camp seasons, co-chaired the youth event in honor of the 2007 Pontifical Visit to New York, and has served as assistant secretary to the Diocesan Assembly.

In 2009, Lydia received the Greg Arpajian Leadership Award, given to an individual who has displayed leadership in service to the Armenian Church and Armenian community.

Lydia is a graduate of Fordham University, where she received a B.A. in History and Communications and an M.S. in Teaching. She currently teaches at the Bronx Guild High School in New York.

This is Lydia's second year on Central Council. She previously served as its secretary.

Danny Mantis, Vice Chair
St. Mesrob, Racine, WI

Danny Mantis recently graduated from Carthage College in 2009 with a B.A. in both Business Administration and Accounting. He took an active role in the ACYOA when he became a member of the St. Mesrob parish in Racine, WI. Danny became more involved in the ACYOA upon turning 18, at which point he became the Chairman of his local ACYOA for two years, which continues to focus its efforts on serving both the Armenian and non-Armenian communities in Racine through Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens, and other service activities.

He has attended numerous Leadership Conferences, Regional Conferences and represented his parish as a delegate to General Assembly for the past 4 years. At the 2007 General Assembly, he was elected to the Nominating Committee, and in 2009 had the honor of serving as Chairman of General Assembly.

On a broader scale, Danny traveled to Armenia in both 2006 and 2007 to participate in Habitat for Humanity. During the summer of 2008, he participated in the AGBU New York Summer Internship Program by working at the Diocese as an intern in the Finance department.

George Macarian, Treasurer

George Macarian, a student at the University of Central Florida, is currently entering his senior year as an accounting major. George is actively involved on campus as a member of the Financial Committee of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, as well as the Vice President of Finance for the UCF Interfraternity Council. He is responsible for collecting dues, managing a $30,000+ yearly budget, bookkeeping, and the financial security of an organization overseeing 17 fraternities and 5000 students. In 2010, George enrolled the IFC as a member of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce and has been nominated for nonprofit business of the month as well as business of the year. He has led many projects for the community as well; including leading a team to raise 200,000 pounds of food for the North American Canned Food Drive.

George has also been actively involved in the Armenian Community. With a strong passion for the church and as an ordained Sub-Deacon, George has celebrated Holy Badarak with several of our parish priests, as well as in the Holy See of Etchmiadzin.

George has attended numerous Leadership Conferences, Regional Conferences and represented his parish as a delegate to General Assembly. At the 2009 General Assembly, he was elected to the Auditing Committee, and in 2010 he was the Chairman of day for the assembly. George has been involved with both ACYOA juniors and seniors at St. David’s in Boca Raton, Florida. George has also been active in Armenian camp programs as a senior counselor at Camp Nubar in 2008, and as Assistant Waterfront Director in 2009. The ACYOA plays an important role in George’s life and he hopes to bring his experience, skills, ideas, and leadership to the Central Council.

Karen Dardarian, Secretary
St. John's Armenian Church, Detroit, MI

Karen is a dedicated member of St. John’s Armenian Church in Detroit. For the past three years, she has served as Chairman of the Detroit ACYOA Seniors chapter.

In 2010, Karen received the Sam Nersessian award, given to an individual who has displayed the Christian values of love, patience, humility, and understanding.

Karen played a significant role in helping her ACYOA Chapter obtain the “Chapter A” award at the 2009 General Assembly. She also chaired the 2009 Nominating Committee, participated in the 2007 Armenian Service Program and her most memorable experience, volunteering in Armenia for Habitat for Humanity. Karen was a camper and counselor at Hye Camp for 10 years and since 2008, an AGBU Camp Nubar staff member. She currently holds the Head Girls’ Counselor position. Karen has also participated at the St. Nersess Summer Studies Program, Annual ACYOA Leadership Conference, Chapter Workshop, and much more. Karen hopes to bring her leadership skills, enthusiasm and wide variety of experiences to help build and promote the five circles of the cross as a Central Council member of the ACYOA.

Karen graduated from Oakland University with a B.A. in Communication and minor in Advertising. In September, Karen will be attending Madonna University getting a Fashion Merchandising degree.

Alex Ouzounian, Chapter Relations

Alex is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, majoring in Sports Administration with a minor in History. Alex has been dedicated to the Armenian Church since a young age. He has served at the altar for twelve years and is a graduate of Sunday school. Alex served as chairman of St. Mesrob’s ACYOA juniors for two years and chairman of the seniors chapter for two years. At the 2007 ACYOA General Assembly, Alex was the recipient of the Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan Leadership Award. He was also a large part of St. Mesrob’s ACYOA juniors receiving the “Chapter A Award” in 2005, as well as their ACYOA senior’s chapter receiving the “Chapter A Award” in 2007 and 2010.

Alex has also been to several ACYOA leadership and regional conferences. He has also been a senior counselor at Hye Camp and St. Nersess’ summer conferences, and in 2009, was the assistant director of the St. Nersess’ summer conferences. Alex has also been a participant on several St. Nersess’ mission trips; assisting with home blessings, baptisms, and other service oriented activities to mission parishes in our Diocese. He also serves his parish by assisting with nursing home and shut-in visits, and is an advisor to his parish’s ACYOA juniors.

Ara Janigian, Public Relations
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, Providence, RI

Ara has been an active member at his local parish of St. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Providence, Rhode Island since his childhood. His involvement started in Sunday school and Armenian school. He was also ordained a Tbir in 2004. From 2002 – 2005, Ara held the position of Chairman in his ACYOA Juniors chapter. After graduating high school, Ara embarked on a pilgrimage to Armenia in 2005. Ara also contributed to the 2006 General Assembly and Sports Weekend held in Providence, as a member of the registration and sports committee. He was blessed with the opportunity to go on his next pilgrimage, this time to Jerusalem, during the summer of 2007. Ara has been a participant at the ACYOA Leadership Conference in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He also has been involved at St. Vartan Camp for thirteen years, most recently serving as the Athletic Director. Currently, Ara is the ACYOA Seniors Co-Chairman in Providence and played a significant role in helping his ACYOA obtain the “Chapter A” award at the 2008 General Assembly. Ara has received many opportunities from the ACYOA and would like to give back. He has already started this process by presenting, “Steps to success for your local ACYOA” at the first annual ACYOA chapters Leaders Workshop in Boca Raton, Florida. Ara is a student at Rhode Island College, with a focus in Marketing. He also works part time at an Armenian Restaurant, where he is known from his Basturma slicing skills. ACYOA has had a great influence in Ara’s life and he hopes to bring his experience and leadership to the Central Council.

Gevork Vartanian, Programming
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, RI

Gevork Vartanian is a parishioner of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church in Providence, Rhode Island. Gevork has been a member of ACYOA since age twelve. He is currently a student at Providence College where his focus is finance and banking. Gevork is currently employed at a property management corporation based in Rhode Island. The Armenian Church and ACYOA have always been a part of Gevork's life. He was ordained a tibir in 2004 and is a graduate of both Armenian and Sunday schools. Through his church and ACYOA Gevork has traveled to both Armenia and made his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Gevork is very active in his local ACYOA, he has co-chaired two junior sports weekends, helped with the planning of General Assembly in 2006, and also has co chaired the annual Providence ACYOA Christmas dance since 2003. In summers past Gevork has attended St. Vartan Camp where he has been a participant, staff member, and head counselor.

Nancy Basmajian, Executive Secretary
Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Cheltenham, PA

An active member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham, PA, Nancy Basmajian holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and psychology. Nancy attended St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, and Eastern Baptist Seminary in Philadelphia where she received a Master of Divinity. She has served the Diocese for over 20 years as Co-Director of the Diocesan Department of Religious Education, Director of the ACYOA Juniors and Program Director at St. Vartan Camp. Nancy was appointed ACYOA Executive Secretary in March of 2003 and since then has effectively established an ACYOA presence at the Diocese. She works under the guidance of the Primate through the Department of Youth and Education and is responsible for the day-to-day administrative operation of the ACYOA as well as supporting and implementing the goals and programs of the Central Council.