Oshin Harootoonian | Chairman is an esteemed engineer and entrepreneur from the San Fernando Valley, who has showcased exemplary qualities through his vast management experience, political insights, and dedication to the Armenian cause. Under his leadership as the Co-Founder (CEO and President), Primex Laboratories expanded from a humble startup to a powerhouse with over 200 employees leading in medical diagnostics and research in California and Nevada. Prior to establishing Primex Clinical Laboratories in 1996, he served as the North Valley Area Planning Commissioner. With a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, Oshin’s engineering contributions were on display in pivotal roles at the City of Beverly Hills as a Senior Plan Review Engineer and at the City of Los Angeles as a Plan Check Engineer, playing a critical role in the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake by facilitating essential reconstruction efforts. Oshin’s commitment to the Armenian community is deep-rooted, beginning in 1968 with Homenetmen and ascending to Regional Vice Scout Master, actively promoting higher education and nurturing Armenian cultural identity among the youth. Since 1992, Oshin has served on the board of ANCA Western Region and the Armenian General Athletic Union, demonstrating enduring leadership that extends across professional and community spheres. Going forward, as Chairman of ANCA WR, Oshin is uniquely positioned to advance Hay Tahd priorities through a deep understanding of organizational management, political intricacies, and steadfast dedication to his nation’s history.
Antranig Kzirian’s, Esq. | Secretary legacy in community activism and leadership is deeply rooted in his lifelong involvement with the Armenian Youth Federation, beginning at the tender age of 9. His dedication saw him ascend to pivotal roles within the AYF, including serving as Chairperson of the Central Executive. Antranig’s professional journey in law, practiced in Los Angeles, is underpinned by an impressive educational background, with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Columbia University. Antranig’s tenure as both Executive Director and Chairperson of the ANCA-WR highlights a career dedicated to the Armenian cause, blending legal expertise with passionate advocacy for Hye Tahd.
Vatche Derderian | Treasurer hails from Pasadena, CA, where he spent his formative years and remains actively engaged as a committed advocate for the Armenian community. He has contributed significantly to various Armenian American organizations such as the ANCA, the AYF, and Homenetmen throughout his life. In addition to his advocacy efforts, Derderian is an accomplished business entrepreneur, overseeing multiple franchises of Fix Auto Body shops. His exceptional commitment and achievements in this field were honored with the esteemed title of Franchisee of the Year in 2023. Aside from his professional pursuits and volunteer work in the Armenian community, Derderian is a dedicated family man, serving as a devoted husband and father to four children.
Anahid Oshagan, Esq. is an attorney and curator who joined the ANCA Western Region Board after decades long activism as a member of the ANCA family. Her ANCA journey started as a Washington, DC intern in 1988. Anahid’s extensive activism includes serving as ANC-WR TV and ANCA-WR Telethon host, running for Glendale City Council, serving on the boards of the Glendale YWCA and Glendale Ghapan Sister City organization, and Library, Art, and Culture Trust. For the Armenian Genocide Centennial, Anahid served as project coordinator for the largest public art installation in Grand Park in Los Angeles. As an integral part of the Iwitness Project, Anahid helped secure the City of Los Angeles’s first permanent monument dedicated to the Armenian Genocide at Grand Park.
Aram Sarkissian joins the ANCA Western Region board after many years of service as a member of the ANCA Sacramento Chapter. Professionally, Aram is the Assistant News Director at CBS News, Sacramento. Before CBS, Aram was the Managing Editor at CapRadio (NPR Sacramento) and spent 20 years in television news as an Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer at KCRA (NBC Sacramento), Newscast Producer at News10 (ABC Sacramento) and KRON (NBC San Francisco). Aram studied Mass Communication and Journalism at California State University, Fresno.
Arpie Jivalagian Baghdassarian, Esq. previously served on the ANCA-WR board from 2013-2016. She has served on the Government Affairs committee, organizing the annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento and was a part of ANCA-WR’s America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief committee. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, and Political Science from the University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School, Arpie’s educational background has provided her with a solid foundation in law and public policy which have turned her into a fierce advocate for Hye Tahd. Arpie is currently employed as an attorney at a reputable private defense firm, where she continues to leverage her legal expertise and advocacy skills to serve her clients and her community effectively.
Ayk Dikijian, Esq. is a graduate of the University of Southern California who subsequently earned his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. Following law school, Ayk worked for one of the largest and most reputable full service civil litigation firms in Los Angeles for over 8 years, specializing in Workers Compensation and General Premises Liability defense. He is currently a founding partner of Work Injury Law Group LLP, where he specializes in Workers Compensation, Personal Injury and Employment Law. Throughout his life, Ayk has been involved in various Armenian American Community organizations, including the ANCA-Western Region and AYF. Prior to serving on the ANCA-WR board of directors, he served as chair of the ANCA Professional Network, co-chaired the ANCA Grassroots Conference Committee and was a member of the America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East Relief.
Lenna V. Hovanessian, Esq., is an Armenian-American community leader and attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lenna is renowned for her activism and advocacy for Armenian issues and human rights across local, state, and federal levels. Serving as the ANCA Nevada Co-Chair, Hovanessian has utilized her legal acumen, media skills, and government relations to achieve significant outcomes, notably advocating for U.S. prevention of the Genocide in Artsakh and ensuring the passage of an Armenian Genocide and Holocaust Education Bill in Nevada. She has built strong political connections, securing support from key figures and fostering community ties. Lenna’s work has earned her recognition from the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas for her leadership skills and service to the community. In 2023, Lenna was honored at the ANCA-WR Annual Awards Gala with the “Steve Artinian Visionary Activist” award for her accomplishments in furthering Hye Tahd through the ANCA Nevada Chapter. Hovanessian’s background includes a law degree from Southwestern University, a BA in English Literature from UCLA, and a diverse legal career in California and Nevada.
Matt Senekeremian is a government affairs professional and Bay Area native. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in International Relations from San Francisco State University. He also earned a Master’s in Political Management from George Washington University. Matt’s decades long experience includes local and statewide political campaigns, advocacy, and nonprofit development. In his current capacity, he is responsible for representing large corporations and small businesses at the local, state, and federal levels of government, as well as developing a collaborative working relationship with stakeholders. Matt has been a very active member of the Armenian community in the Bay Area. He has been part of ANCA Northern California since 2006, serving as its Chairperson since 2013. Additionally, he has served as vice chair of the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Armenian Church of San Francisco since 2019, and has been an active member of the AYF Rosdom Chapter.