SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gray Davis announced on Thursday, June 27, 2002, the reappointment of Hacob J. Shirvanian as a member of the California Contractors State License Board. Mr. Shirvanian’s appointment to the Board makes him one of the longest ever continuous appointees in the State of California with a record of service that spans over thirty-two years. The Board’s mission is to promote the health and general welfare of the public in matters relating to building construction by ensuring that all construction is performed in a safe, competent and professional manner.

Mr. Shirvanian, 78 and resident of the City of Glendale, was co-founder of Western Waste Industries, a position which he held from 1956 to 1997. After immigrating to California from Iran in 1955, Mr. Shirvanian and his family started a waste-hauling business from the back of an old truck. Western Waste Industries grew to become the fifth largest waste hauling company in the United States.

“Hagop Shirvanian’s record of community service is an accomplishment in itself,” commented Steven J. Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR. “His activism and contributions to the Armenian-American community and to the great State of California are exemplary and the ANC commends Governor Gray Davis in his wise decision to reappoint Mr. Shirvanian to the Contractor’s Board.” Besides being a successful businessman and a dedicated public servant, Mr. Shirvanian has long been an ardent supporter of the Armenian National Committee of America. Mr. Shirvanian has served on the Board of Directors of numerous Armenian organizations, including the Armenian Educational Foundation and of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School. The ANCA-WR recognized Mr. Shirvanian recently for his years of dedicated service to the pursuit of “Hai Tahd” with a special recognition and award.

”I have always been a proud member of the Armenian National Committee and serving my community has helped me be a better citizen and businessman,” commented Mr. Shirvanian “I am proud to continue serving California as a member of the State License Board and look forward to continuing serving my community and state.” Mr. Shirvanian previously served as a member of the Integrated Waste Management Board under Governors Ronald Reagan and Jerry Brown. During the terms of Governors Goerge Deukmedjian and Pete Wilson, Mr. Shirvanian served as a member of the Small Business Administration Board. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters through the United States and affiliated organization around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenia-American community on a broad range of issues.