Dr. Michel Youssef

Highly accomplished Senior Executive with more than 35 years of international business development (BD) and operations experience in both the public and private sectors. Decorated experience operating forward deployed in high-threat, hostile environments outside the continental United States (OCONUS) in support of critical Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Military initiatives. U.S. Citizen with proven ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance, and deep, native understanding of Middle Eastern culture, customs, and operating environment. Multi-lingual with native fluency in Arabic, French, Italian, and English. Proven track record of providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and translation to top senior DoD and U.S. Military personnel in execution of large, high profile programs. Adept at navigating through the local bureaucracies, regional customs, tariffs, tax liabilities, immigration, property ownership/leasing, and other hurdles that often inhibit business operations of U.S. And foreign companies. Exceptional network of contacts with senior executives in government, military, and industry officials throughout the Middle East and Africa, including: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar, Yemen, Libya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Gabon, among others. Proven track record of facilitating introductions and face-to-face meetings with key senior level officials, and collaborating with prospective clients and stakeholders to develop identified needs into specific requirements. Highly effective at building long-term relationships. Decisive leadership, with deep experience resolving unanticipated obstacles in ways that are both cost efficient and consistent with local customs and international law. Results-driven, committed, flexible, and personable team player who possesses the ability to remain focused and pragmatic while overseeing business operations.