Iranian Trade Association: Shahriar Afshar, President

Iranian Trade
Association

Shahriar Afshar, President & Founder

Biography

Shahriar Afshar is President of the Iranian Trade Association and an independent Iranian business and government affairs consultant with Trade Advocacy Partners.

In 1997, coupled with his commitment to the expansion of world trade and through his involvement with international chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and multi-national companies, Mr. Afshar established the Iranian Trade Association (ITA). ITA is an Iranian business association providing innovative public affairs and public relations services to its members. ITA has been internationally recognized as a leading Iranian advocacy and business organization and has endorsed, hosted, or participated in dozens of Iranian business and policy conferences from Washington, DC to London, UK.

Mr. Afshar has written numerous editorials in US newspapers speaking out against the US unilateral trade sanctions on Iran. He has been interviewed by the Associated Press, Dow Jones News Wires, Management Review, BBC World & Farsi Services, and various other world media sources. He is a contributing member of the Iranian-American community and speaks at Iranian-American professional forums at every opportunity.

Mr. Afshar is also an independent consultant with Trade Advocacy Partners, a free trade, track II diplomacy, and political empowerment company that unites international business organizations in achieving their trade advocacy objectives. He is also a registered lobbyist with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Mr. Afshar attained his Bachelors in Business Administration and Masters in Public Administration from San Diego State University. He was born in Iran, currently resides in California, and is a part-time Washington DC resident.

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Send your comments and questions to Afshar@IranianTrade.org

Ms. Karen Gerry, ITA Executive Director

Biography

With over 10 years of business association management experience, event production and public relations knowledge, Ms. Gerry brings a tremendous range of organizational expertise to all service categories of association management. Currently managing over 7 trade associations, Ms. Gerry has developed an association management strategic plan and style that she brings to her clients: Western Maquiladora Trade Association, Association for Corporate Growth, Financial Advisors Club of Southern California, San Diego Stock and Bond Association, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana District Council, and the Iranian Trade Association. Collectively, Ms. Gerry's represents over 1,000 business and professional members in manufacturing, real estate, trade, and financial services.

Ms. Gerry is specially qualified in association management, administration and event planning including trade show production, fundraising, auctions, golf tournaments, business seminars, panel discussions and interactive international programs. She also specializes in advocacy/legislative committee organization, conference management, and business communications.

Ms. Gerry's unique experience allows her to manage and promote over 85 seminars and conferences a year with attendance ranging from 50 to 500 persons in some of the top hotels, venues and convention facilities in the United States. She also supports and manages over 100 board meetings and committee meetings a year.

Each year, Ms. Gerry is responsible for raising over $125,000 in sponsorships and fundraising dollars for events and special projects in the United States and Mexico. Additionally, she is responsible for attracting over 250 new members a year for the associations under her management leading to additional association revenues.

Ms. Gerry attained her Bachelors in International Business from the University of San Diego.

Sharie Brown Esq. ITA Corporate Patron Counsel, Foley & Lardner

Alidad Vakili, Esq. ITA Corporation Counsel, Fisher & Thurber

Ben Sarem, ITA Public Affairs Director

Shahin Parvini, ITA Treasurer, ICONO Financial

Need more information or have a question? Ask ITA via Email

Copyright © 1997-1998 Iranian Trade Association. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.