AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian Awarded Presidential ‘Medal of Gratitude’ in Armenia

During a May 28th ceremony at the Presidential Palace, held on the occasion of Republic day in Armenia, RA President Serzh Sargsyan awarded a group of individuals with the highest state awards and honorary titles for their contributions in the spheres of science, education, health, economy, arts & culture, sports, productive work and patriotism.

For his contributions toward the strengthening of Armenia-Diaspora relations and preservation of the Armenian identity, AMAA Executive Director/CEO, Zaven Khanjian received the Medal of Gratitude.  The Medal of Gratitude is awarded for state, economic, social, scientific-technical and public activities, as well as for major personal contribution, many years’ of devotion and fruitful activities aimed at promoting the spheres of health, education and culture.

“On this momentous occasion, the 99th anniversary of the first republic of Armenia, the ultimate contentment of service lies in the well preservation of what has been earned through the sacrifice of our forebear” said Mr. Khanjian. “I praise God for our homeland as we continue to advance the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our people everywhere.”

Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, AMAA President, extended congratulations on behalf of the Board of Directors: “We were delighted to hear that Mr. Serzh Sargsyan, the President of the Republic of Armenia, has honored Zaven Khanjian, the Executive Director/CEO of the AMAA by awarding him the ‘Medal of Appreciation’. Mr. Khanjian has dedicated his life to the service of the Armenian people in the Homeland and the Diaspora and is clearly deserving of this honor. On behalf of the entire AMAA family I congratulate Mr. Khanjian on this wonderful occasion.”

Mr. Khanjian was born and raised in Aleppo, Syria where he grew up in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church and was an active member of the Church’s Youth Group.

Upon graduating from Aleppo College, Mr. Khanjian attended the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and in 1967 earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Soon after his graduation he moved to the Persian Gulf and for 13 years worked in his profession assuming top positions in prestigious companies, while creating “Little Armenias” together with like-minded peers.

In 1979, Khanjian moved with his family to California and after working for a few years in his profession, went into the real estate business starting his own successful company, Kanjyan Realty in Glendale, Calif., in 1987.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director/CEO at the AMAA in 2014 he remained an active member of the Greater Los Angeles Community serving in leadership capacities at the Armenia Fund, The Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, The Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, The United Armenian Congregational Church, Haigazian University of Beirut, the Glendale Family YMCA, The Salvation Army-Glendale Corps, Americans for Artsakh, The Armenian American Real Estate Association and as Founding Chair of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund – SARF.

Mr. Khanjian has authored volumes of bilingual articles to the American Armenian media and published three Armenian books. He is married to Sona Kellikian, is father of three children and grandfather of six.