Omar Kurdi

About Omar Kurdi

I am a nonprofit executive and development leader specializing in organizational growth, revenue strategy, compliance, and mission-driven impact. I serve as Director of Development at the Arab America Foundation, where I lead national fundraising strategy, philanthropic partnerships, and long-term sustainability efforts for one of the country’s leading organizations dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, leadership development, and civic engagement. In this role, I am building scalable development systems, expanding donor pipelines, and aligning revenue growth with national initiatives such as National Arab American Heritage Month and the Foundation’s 20 Under 20, 30 Under 30, and 40 Under 40 programs.I also serve as CEO of Friends for Life Rehabilitation Services, where I scaled the organization from a $300K to $2M operating budget—expanding programs that deliver measurable outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities while strengthening regulatory compliance, financial sustainability, and operational performance.My work sits at the intersection of healthcare services, nonprofit management, philanthropy, public policy, and community engagement. I solve complex problems related to scaling impact, building high-performing teams, diversifying revenue streams, navigating regulatory environments, and aligning mission with measurable results. I have led startups and established organizations through growth, governance, transformation, and sustainability—ensuring accountability, equity, and long-term viability.Beyond my executive roles, I have co-founded and led community and cultural institutions, including Arab Americans of Cleveland and Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi, and have served on public and nonprofit boards such as the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Public Theatre. My leadership has contributed to stronger systems, expanded access to services, cross-sector collaboration, and national cultural visibility.My work has been recognized through multiple local, regional, and national honors, including Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 and the Arab America Foundation’s 40 Under 40, along with additional awards acknowledging leadership, civic engagement, and community impact.I bring a strategic, people-centered approach to executive leadership, development strategy, nonprofit and healthcare administration, compliance, and community-centered growth—focused on building institutions that are both financially strong and mission bold.

Experience

1. Director of Development

   Arab America

   Mar 2026 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   National development leader responsible for building and scaling the fundraising infrastructure of a mission-driven organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage, educating Americans about Arab identity and culture, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans nationwide.Reporting to the board, I oversee the Foundation’s comprehensive development strategy—expanding philanthropic revenue, cultivating major donors, and strengthening corporate and institutional partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and national growth.

Education

• Indiana Wesleyan University

  Master's Degree, Public Administration

• Cleveland State University

  Bachelor of Arts, International Relations

• Rice University

  Certificate of Undergraduate Studies, Organizational Leadership