Lazarian Joins Howard Karagheusian Commemorative Corporation

The Howard Karagheusian Foundation recently announced the appointment of Irina Lazarian as its new managing director. The foundation, formally known as the Howard Karagheusian Commemorative Corp. (HKCC), was founded in 1921 in New York City by Mihran and Zabel Karaghuesian in memory of their 14-year-old son, Howard, who died of an illness.

With the arrival of Irina Lazarian, the foundation begins a new chapter in its long history of coming to the aid of needy Armenian children and families throughout the world. “Irina brings new vitality and energy to the Karagheusian programs as we face increasing challenges in Armenia, Syria, and Lebanon, where the foundation is currently operating” said its president, Michael Haratunian.

Lazarian is the former executive director of Armenian Fund USA, and brings with her extensive experience in humanitarian and infrastructure projects in Armenia. Born in Yerevan, she relocated to the U.S. in 1998 and is expected to lead the foundation in new directions to fulfill the vision of the Karagheusian family.

The foundation recognizes that Armenians in the Middle East face enormous challenges, especially now with the war in Syria, and is providing substantial assistance to the Karagheusian operations in Aleppo and Beirut.

In Armenia, ever since the earthquake in 1988 and following independence, Karagheusian has operated major programs in the health and social fields for the needy. It operates six health clinics throughout Armenia and Karabagh, representing the major portion of its annual budget.