Advancing US-Lebanon Relations
The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) is a non-sectarian, non-partisan, and independent 501c3 non-profit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage.
Strategic Engagement
Bipartisan Advocacy
Community Mobilization
Our Mission
Our mission is to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of a robust US-Lebanon bilateral relationship by facilitating dialogue around common principles and issues of strategic importance.
We are motivated by American interests and values, with a commitment to improving the civic, cultural, educational, and charitable ties between both countries while promoting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity of a democratic and pluralistic Lebanon.
Our History
A Legacy of Advocacy
Since its inception, the American Task Force on Lebanon has played a pivotal role in advocating for U.S.-Lebanon relations. Our journey began with a vision to support Lebanon’s sovereignty and democratic aspirations. Over the years, we have achieved significant milestones, including securing vital U.S. assistance for Lebanon’s defense and economic sectors. Through persistent efforts, we continue to influence policy and foster a partnership that benefits both nations.
Leadership and Governance
Guiding Our Mission
The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) is guided by a diverse group of leaders who bring expertise from diplomacy, business, academia, and civic life. Our governance structure is designed to ensure that our mission is effectively pursued, fostering strong US-Lebanon relations through strategic advocacy and engagement. By leveraging the unique insights and experiences of our leadership, we aim to promote stability, economic recovery, and peace in Lebanon.
Staff
Philippe Nassif
Chief Operating Officer
Kristen Kouttab
Vice President of Administration
Patricia Karam
Vice President of Policy and Communications
Steven Howard
Director of Government Affairs
Tayseer Habib
Communications and Policy Associate
Jenna Elaidy
Program Coordinator
Officers
The Hon. Spencer Abraham
Chairman
Mr. Mohamed “Mike” Ahmar
Treasurer
Mr. Nijad I. Fares
Vice Chairman
Ray R. Irani, Ph.D
Vice Chairman
The Hon. Spencer Abraham
Chairman
Ms. Valerie Jacobs
Vice Chairman
The Hon. Thomas A. Nassif
Chairman Emeritus (1990 – 2014)
Denyse Sabagh, Esq
Legal Counsel
Mr. Peter J. Tanous
Founding Chairman (1987-1990)
Jacques F. Tohmé, M.D.
Secretary
Board of Directors
The Hon. Spencer Abraham
Mr. Thomas G. Abraham
Ms. Leila Aridi Afas
Mr. Mohamed “Mike” Ahmar
Ms. Natasha Akda
Mr. Ahmed Boomrod
Mr. Michel Chammas
Mr. Nijad I. Fares
The Hon. Edward M. Gabriel
Mr. Joseph C. Geagea
Ms. Nada Hamadeh
Mr. Naseem Haffar
Ray R. Irani, Ph.D.
Ms. Valerie Jacobs
Mr. Adib Kassis
Mr. Abie Musa
Francois Nader M.D.
Mr. Ralph Nader
The Hon. Thomas A. Nassif
Mr. Khalil Rouhana
Mr. Ghassan Saab
Mrs. Manal Saab
Lulu Seikaly Mr.
Salim Sessine Mr.
Kamal Shouhayib
Mr. Peter J. Tanous
Jacques F. Tohmé,
M.D. Ms. Lana Yaghi
Policy Advisory Board
Gen. John P. Abizaid, Ret.
The Hon. Spencer Abraham
The Hon. Alex M. Azar II
The Hon. Charles W. Boustany
Gen. George A. Joulwan, Ret.
The Hon. Ray LaHood
The Hon. Nick J. Rahall
The Hon. Donna Shalala
The Hon. John E. Sununu
Insights from Leading Experts
Colin Brooks
Former Senior Professional Staff Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Elisa Ewers
Former Senior Professional Staff Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Ambassador Jeff Feltman
Former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon and United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs
Ambassador David Hale
Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow at the Middle East Institute and Former U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
Ambassador James Jeffrey
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Turkey and Special Representative for Syria Engagement
Firas Maksad
Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Eurasia Group
Paul Salem
Former President of the Middle East Institute
Ambassador David Satterfield
Former United States Ambassador to Lebanon and Director of the Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy
David Schenker
Former United States Assistant Secretary of State and Senior Fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Randa Slim
Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
Mona Yacoubian
Senior Adviser and Director of the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Join Our Community
Explore Career Opportunities
Policy Analyst
Washington, D.C.
Join our team in the nation’s capital to analyze and influence policy impacting U.S.-Lebanon relations.
Communications Specialist
New York, NY
Help shape our message and engage with media to promote our mission and initiatives.
Development Coordinator
Remote
Support our fundraising efforts and help build relationships with key stakeholders from anywhere.
Join Our Mission
Be a part of our impactful work by joining our team, supporting our initiatives, or collaborating with us to strengthen US -Lebanon relations.