L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Honors Armenian Americans
Supervisor Kathryn Barger presents commemorative scrolls to Armenian community honorees during a ceremony at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Pictured from left: Jill Panossian, Leah and Samantha Panossian, Dr. Andre Panossian and his parents, ServiceTitan representative Alene Aroustamian, and Supervisor Barger. (Photo credit: Bryan Chan/LA County)
As Armenian History Month comes to a close, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger honored three Armenian Americans from the Fifth District, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to healthcare, innovation, and community service.
“Armenian History Month is a time to both reflect and recognize,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “We honor the strength and resilience of the Armenian people, while celebrating those in our own communities whose work uplifts lives locally and across the globe. Dr. Andre Panossian, Vahe Kuzoyan, and Ara Mahdessian embody the very best of service, innovation, and compassion.”
Each April, Los Angeles County pays tribute to the rich history and enduring legacy of the Armenian people. This year also marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, during which 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives.
Supervisor Barger recognized Dr. Andre Panossian for his exceptional humanitarian and medical contributions. A graduate of UCLA and Tufts University School of Medicine, Dr. Panossian completed his plastic surgery residency at USC and pursued specialized pediatric training in Toronto. Over the course of his career, he has performed more than 4,000 life-changing surgeries for patients with complex conditions, including facial paralysis, cleft lip and palate, and severe burns.
Dr. Andre Panossian provides a warm touch and shares a smile with a young patient during a medical examination. (Photo credit: Dr. Panossian)
Dr. Panossian has also led and participated in global medical missions, including a historic procedure separating conjoined twins in Haiti. Through his work with organizations such as Mending Kids, Operation Smile, and Partners in Health, he has expanded access to critical surgical care worldwide. In 2015, he launched Mending Kids’ first surgical mission to Armenia, establishing a program that continues to provide advanced care while training local physicians. His work stands as a powerful example of how expertise and compassion can transform lives.
Dr. Andre Panossian tends to an infant during a medical mission in Sierra Leone. (Photo credit: Dr. Panossian)
Supervisor Barger also recognized Vahe Kuzoyan and Ara Mahdessian, co-founders of ServiceTitan, for their transformative impact on the skilled trades industry and their commitment to giving back. What began as a solution to improve a family plumbing business has grown into a leading software platform serving thousands of trade businesses and supporting more than 100,000 service professionals nationwide.
Headquartered in Glendale, ServiceTitan reflects the founders’ deep ties to the Armenian American experience. Both Kuzoyan and Mahdessian drew from their families’ immigrant journeys and firsthand exposure to the trades to build a software platform that helps contractors and small businesses thrive–a platform that is ranking eighth on the Forbes List of Best Private Cloud Companies. Today, their company is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that continues to empower contractors, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Beyond business success, their commitment to community impact remains strong. Through scholarships, workforce training initiatives, and investments in Armenia’s growing tech sector, they are creating pathways for opportunity both locally and abroad. Their efforts also include supporting humanitarian relief initiatives during times of crisis affecting Armenia and Artsakh.
ServiceTitan co-founders Ara Mahdessian (left) and Vahe Kuzoyan (right) at the company’s headquarters. (Photo credit: ServiceTitan)
ServiceTitan co-founders Vahe Kuzoyan (left) and Ara Mahdessian (right) pose with their fathers. (Photo credit: ServiceTitan)
“Today’s honorees represent excellence across different fields, but they share a common commitment to service and community,” Supervisor Barger stated. “Their achievements reflect the enduring contributions of the Armenian American community and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Supervisor Barger presented official scrolls of commendation to Dr. Panossian and, on behalf of Kuzoyan and Mahdessian, to a representative from ServiceTitan, recognizing their lasting impact on Los Angeles County and the global Armenian community.
