Serge D. Buchakjian Appointed New CEO/Executive Director of AMAA

· December 12, 2024

PARAMUS, NJ—The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) announced the appointment of Serge D. Buchakjian as its new CEO/Executive Director, effective February 1, 2025.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Buchakjian spent his early years attending the Armenian Evangelical College before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Haigazian University. Following the onset of Lebanon’s civil war in 1975, he emigrated to the United States, where he pursued further education at Northeastern University in Boston, earning a Master of Business Administration in 1978. Additionally, Buchakjian completed executive education programs at Harvard University, Oxford, and Northwestern University, and is certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt.

Buchakjian brings to AMAA over 35 years of experience in the international aerospace and defense industry. Most recently, he served as President of BASCO International LLC, a strategic consulting and business advisory firm. Previously, he held senior leadership roles, including Vice President and General Manager of the International Solutions Business Segment at L3 Technologies, and Senior Vice President and General Manager of International Programs at Oshkosh Defense, where he was also a corporate officer. His earlier tenure includes executive positions at Honeywell International Inc. (formerly AlliedSignal), where he spent four years in London overseeing operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and served on their board of directors. He also held global leadership roles at Smiths Industries Aerospace (now GE) and Lear Siegler Inc., with responsibilities spanning worldwide operations.

Beyond his corporate career, Buchakjian has actively contributed to numerous NGOs and professional organizations, such as the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). He has also served on committees with the U.S.-India Business Council, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and the Business Council for International Understanding.

Buchakjian has participated in several Armenian organizations, including the Armenian Society of Fellows (ASOF), the board of Haigazian University, AMAA’s Europe Committee, and the Armenian Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a Ruling Elder and Trustee.

Buchakjian will be based at the AMAA headquarters in Paramus, NJ. He is married to Anita (née Philibosian), and together they have two children, Nina and Mark.

“My acquaintance with Buchakjian goes back to our high school days at the Armenian Evangelical College in Beirut, Lebanon,” said Dr. Nazareth Darakjian. *I firmly believe that Mr. Buchakjian will enable the AMAA to pursue its mission and elevate the organization to new heights.”

Gary R. Phillips, incoming President of the AMAA Board, added: “Serge’s extensive experience in international leadership and his deep commitment to the values and mission of the AMAA make him uniquely qualified to lead the organization into a new chapter of impactful service.”