Be a part of our Success
We are proud of our committed and diverse staff driven by our common goal
Who we are
United Mission for Relief & Development (UMR) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on providing disaster relief and recovery services to the underserved both domestically in the U.S. and internationally across the globe.
We hope you’ll join us in our efforts to make a significant impact in the lives of millions around the world.
Our compassionate team is devoted to achieving meaningful impact through relief and sustainable development. We leverage creative solutions that empower communities, bridging the gap between those in need and the world.
“A world of dignified communities”
- Unity.
- Neutrality.
- Integrity.
- Transparency.
- Excellence.
- Dignity.
Board of Directors

Dr. Abed Ayoub
President & CEO

Dr. Abed Ayoub
President & CEO
Dr.Abed Ayoub has decades of experience in the relief sector.
Dr. Ayoub holds a PhD in International Development. He is a former CEO for Islamic Relief USA. In 2010, he was appointed to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to serve on its Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA), and was reappointed in 2013, concluding two terms.
Dr. Ayoub provided advice, analysis, and recommendations to USAID on the most pressing developmental issues in the world today.
He also served a second term with the U.S. State Department’s Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group. Dr. Ayoub is an adjunct faculty member of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
In addition, he serves on the Advisory Board of the Center on Muslim Philanthropy; as well as a member of the Board of Trustees, and faculty member, of the Nonprofit Management Department at The Islamic Seminary of America in Dallas, TX.
He is certified as an Executive Director, Master Business Coach, and Professional Coach. He is also a Certified International Professional Trainer for German Jordanian University (GJU). Finally, he is a lecturer/trainer for Cambridge International College, U.K.

Samer Darwish
Chairman of Trustees

Samer Darwish
Chairman of Trustees

Dr. Ismail Mehr
Board Member

Dr. Ismail Mehr
Board Member

Muhieldin Salih
COO & Treasurer of the Board

Muhieldin Salih
COO & Treasurer of the Board
Muhieldin Salih is a high-profile business expert based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.
He is the Founder and Chairman of American Trading, Management, and Consultation Corporation; the Founder and Executive Director of a leading diaspora radio station, Hona Radio; and the Executive Director of ITC Group, LLC.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Administration Sciences. He hold Special Diplomas in Publication and Information Authentication from Great Britain.
His work is focused on administration, finance and media research.

Mohammad Ahmad
Board Member

Mohammad Ahmad
Board Member

Dr. Wedian Eltom
Board Member

Dr. Wedian Eltom
Board Member
Executive Team

Dr. Abed Ayoub
President & CEO

Dr. Abed Ayoub
President & CEO
Dr.Abed Ayoub has decades of experience in the relief sector.
Dr. Ayoub holds a PhD in International Development. He is a former CEO for Islamic Relief USA. In 2010, he was appointed to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to serve on its Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA), and was reappointed in 2013, concluding two terms.
Dr. Ayoub provided advice, analysis, and recommendations to USAID on the most pressing developmental issues in the world today.
He also served a second term with the U.S. State Department’s Religion and Foreign Policy Working Group. Dr. Ayoub is an adjunct faculty member of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
In addition, he serves on the Advisory Board of the Center on Muslim Philanthropy; as well as a member of the Board of Trustees, and faculty member, of the Nonprofit Management Department at The Islamic Seminary of America in Dallas, TX.
He is certified as an Executive Director, Master Business Coach, and Professional Coach. He is also a Certified International Professional Trainer for German Jordanian University (GJU). Finally, he is a lecturer/trainer for Cambridge International College, U.K.

Muhieldin Salih
COO & Treasurer of the Board

Muhieldin Salih
COO & Treasurer of the Board
Muhieldin Salih is a high-profile business expert based in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.
He is the Founder and Chairman of American Trading, Management, and Consultation Corporation; the Founder and Executive Director of a leading diaspora radio station, Hona Radio; and the Executive Director of ITC Group, LLC.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Sciences, and a Master’s degree in Administration Sciences. He hold Special Diplomas in Publication and Information Authentication from Great Britain.
His work is focused on administration, finance and media research.

Dr. Khaled Falah
Chief Information Officer

Dr. Khaled Falah
Chief Information Officer
Dr. Falah served as CIO for multiple agencies at the DC government, an associate Professor at Campbellsville University, and adjunct Professor at George Washington University. Dr. Falah graduated with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Southern Illinois University, earned a Master of Science in Management of Information Systems from the University of Maryland, and completed his PhD in Management and Leadership from Campbellsville University.
Dr. Falah is a Federally Certified Chief Information Officer from the CIO University and a Federally Certified Enterprise Architect from the Federal Enterprise Architect Council. He also holds a Certified Project Management Professional designation from the Project Management Institute.
Key Staff

Salaudeen Nausrudeen
Fund Development and Marketing

Salaudeen Nausrudeen
Fund Development and Marketing
Salaudeen is a purpose driven marketing and business development professional with extensive experience in successfully implementing fresh ideas and opportunities to organizations eager to grow. He is an innovator with the ability to blend new technology, marketing concepts and market opportunities to engage customers and expand impact.
Salaudeen has experience across multiple industries including Islamic finance, Halal investment, sports, retail, non-profit, technology and social entrepreneurship.
Salaudeen Nausrudeen is the Founder of Islamic Games of North America, an organization that aims to provide organized and structured competitive opportunities to inspire Muslim athletes to pursue their potentials, while developing healthy habits for strong communities.

Caroline Evashavik
Marketing Manager

Caroline Evashavik
Marketing Manager
Caroline received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Creative Writing from the George Washington University in 2019. Prior to joining UMR, she worked as a Media Outreach Intern at PEN/Faulkner, a literary nonprofit in the DC Metro area, and also spent time as a Writing and Editing Intern for a magazine in the Czech Republic.
Passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world, Caroline has been with UMR for more than five years, dedicated to providing communities in need all over the world with not just quick fixes, but long-term, sustainable solutions.

Jason Matechak
Legal Advisor

Jason Matechak
Legal Advisor
Jason Matechak has served as the outside Legal Advisor to UMR since 2015. Mr. Matechak is a Founder and Principal at the Impresa Legal Group. He focuses his practice on Government Funded Programs, NGO-Non-Profits, Governance and Compliance and International Matters.
He serves as the Director for the Center for International Procurement Law and Policy at the International Law Institute. He has served as the General Counsel of International Relief & Development, the Legal Advisor to the International Development Law Organization, and as a Partner in the Reed Smith Firm. As a civil servant, he served as a contract negotiator and legal reform officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development.
He has served on the Council and Administration Committee, and as the Technology Officer, and Rule of Law Officer for the American Bar Association Section of International Law, and has served as a Delegate to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group on Public Procurement.
He earned his Law Degree from the George Mason University School of Law, his Masters in International Commerce and Policy from the George Mason University School for Policy, Government, and International Affairs, and his Bachelors in Political Science, with minors in Russian Studies and Economics from James Madison University.
He is a member of the Bars of Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Radwan Chanawani
Event Planner & Major Gifts Officer

Radwan Chanawani
Event Planner & Major Gifts Officer
A globally-oriented strategic thinker and planner, Radwan Chanawani organized the Syrian Turkish forum with the presence of the Turkish Prime Minister as well as coordinated the International Conference for Investment and Financial Markets in Damascus, Syria for four consecutive years ultimately resulting in the launching of the Damascus Securities Exchange.
Mr. Chanawani has also successfully launched, managed, and operated over 70 global events, executed event fulfillment for B2C events, coordinated the largest global insurance conferences (The Arab Insurance Conference, the 26th GAIF General Insurance Conference, and The Third Damascus Insurance Forum), and much more.
A graduate of University of Detroit Mercy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Mr. Radwan Chanawani has a Minor in Computer Information Systems from Humboldt State University, as well as a Certification in Exhibition Management.

A Journey of Growth and Impact
United Muslim Relief (UMR) started as a university club at George Mason University, founded by passionate students committed to fundraising for humanitarian relief. This grassroots initiative laid the groundwork for what would become a significant force in global humanitarian efforts.
The Humble Beginnings
In October 2013, UMR officially transitioned from a university club to a registered nonprofit through a strategic merger with Muslims Without Borders. This union brought together a shared vision of providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities worldwide.
2013
The Official Launch
Two years later, UMR took a significant step forward by opening its first field offices in Kenya and Jordan. These offices became hubs for delivering aid and implementing sustainable programs. Over time, UMR expanded its reach, working in numerous other countries to provide lifesaving assistance and long-term support.
2015
Establishing a Global Presence
As UMR’s work evolved, so did its mission. In 2018, the organization rebranded as United Mission for Relief and Development, emphasizing not only emergency relief but also long-term solutions that empower communities to rebuild and thrive. This shift reflected a commitment to addressing the root causes of crises and fostering resilience.
2018
A New Identity for a Broader Mission
Today, UMR continues to grow, expanding into new regions and refining its approach to humanitarian aid. No longer limited to emergency response, the organization prioritizes both relief and development, ensuring that communities not only receive immediate assistance but also gain the tools and resources needed for sustainable recovery. From healthcare initiatives to livelihood programs, UMR remains at the forefront of innovative humanitarian solutions, creating lasting change across the globe.
2025
Expanding Innovation & Impact