ABOUT US
The mission of the Persian American Chamber of Commerce is to empower, connect, and advocate for Persian-American businesses and professionals across the United States. We strive to create a thriving economic community by fostering meaningful relationships, promoting cultural pride, and providing valuable resources that support business growth, innovation, and success. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to elevate the presence and influence of Persian-Americans in the broader business landscape while honoring the rich heritage that unites us.
THE BOARD
Kourosh Fatemi
The President
Kourosh Fatemi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Tehran University , and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wollongong in Australia. With over 30 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, he has built a global career spanning the Far East, Middle East, Europe, and North America. As the founder of Fatemi & Co., a strategic holding company with ventures in digital marketing, architectural stone design, and business consulting, Kourosh is known for his ability to bridge cultures, develop impactful partnerships, and build ethically grounded enterprises.
Kourosh founded PACCSE to help create a thriving, purpose-driven business community rooted in Persian-American values. As President, his commitment is to lead with integrity, promote conscious entrepreneurship, and provide opportunities for young leaders to thrive. He brings decades of business strategy, operational development, and cross-cultural leadership experience to the Chamber, and is focused on building sustainable structures that empower both individuals and communities.
Kourosh is passionate about meditation, self-awareness, and personal growth. He enjoys reading and spending time in nature through hiking, kayaking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. He also finds joy in cooking, playing chess and backgammon, traveling with his family, and creating meaningful gatherings that bring people together through shared values and connection.
Payam Pourreza
Vice President
Payam Pourreza began his second career path after he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is a practicing attorney and owner of a personal injury law office, Pourreza Law, LLC, in Sandy Springs, GA. Payam has been practicing law and has been an active member of the State Bar of Georgia since 2013. He is a former State prosecutor who prosecuted cases in the State Court of Fulton County in Atlanta, GA. For a brief period of time, he also worked as a criminal defense attorney.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Payam’s career bath began when he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA . After graduating, he worked for one of the nation’s largest residential home building companies as a site project supervisor. Payam later worked as a builder/ general contractor in high end, luxury residential construction for approximately 10 years prior to entering law school and changing careers.
Payam was born and raised in Georgia and moved to Atlanta in 1989 at the age of 10 years old. Although born and raised in America, Payam has a deep-rooted pride in his Persian/ Iranian heritage. With strong ties to the local Persian community in Atlanta, he has a profound desire to assist, mentor, connect and educate others within the community. Payam has joined the Chamber of Commerce with the intent to bring the Persian community together, strengthen bonds between individuals and businesses, and raise the bar for the status of Persian’s living and working throughout the southeast.
Payam is known, by those who know him, as “the car guy.” Since the age of adolescence, he has been intrigued and obsessed by performance cars. He was largely involved in racing, track events, automotive enthusiast group drives and trips, car shows, and more involving cars in his 20’s and 30’s. His passion for cars lead him to learn how to repair and maintain his own cars, which became one of his greatest joys as an adult. You are likely to find Payam at car shows, driving events, track days or as a spectator at racing events.
Shahrokh Bagheri
Advisory
Dr. Shahrokh C. Bagheri is a dual-degree, board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with advanced training in both medicine and dentistry. He holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD, cum laude, Class Marshal) from Harvard University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Emory University. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Dr. Bagheri completed his General Practice Residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, followed by internships and residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and General Surgery at Emory University Hospitals. He further specialized in CranioMaxillofacial Trauma Surgery through a fellowship at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon.
He currently serves as Medical Director and Chief of Service for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Surgery at Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Northside Hospital Duluth Medical Centers. Previously, he served as Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northside Hospital (2008–2018) and is the Founding Partner of Georgia Oral and Facial Reconstructive Surgery in Atlanta.
Dr. Bagheri is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the International College of Dentists (FICD). His leadership roles include President of the Georgia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2024–2025), Co-Director of the AACS Fellowship in Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016–2022), and Consultant to the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs (2020–2021).
Dr. Bagheri is a widely published author and educator, with over 100 academic contributions including twelve textbooks, more than 120 book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. His most acclaimed textbook, Clinical Review of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery—now in its third edition—is used globally by surgeons preparing for board certification.
He is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences and has been featured on television and radio for his expertise. A large number of his patients are referred by fellow specialists—including surgeons, dentists, and medical practitioners. While based in metropolitan Atlanta, his practice regularly treats patients from across the United States and internationally.
Arezoo Risman
Secretary
Arezoo Risman, MBA, MPH, CSPO is an award-winning senior executive with over 16 years of executive leadership experience driving public health innovation, enterprise program management, and digital transformation across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She has led complex, high-visibility initiatives overseeing multi-billion-dollar federal portfolios, including execution of a $1.5 billion assisted acquisition and strategic alignment of $200+ million annually supporting CDC’s Data Modernization Initiative.
Currently serving as Deputy Director and Senior Advisor within in the CDC Office of the Chief Information Officer, Ms. Risman oversees enterprise IT portfolio management for the agency. Her leadership has delivered measurable outcomes, including 80% improvements in decision-making efficiency, 40% increases in supply-chain risk readiness, and millions in taxpayer cost savings through contract optimization and operational streamlining. Known for her ability to translate complexity into clarity, she builds alignment across systems, people, and mission to deliver sustainable, results-driven solutions.
Beyond government service, Ms. Risman is the Founder and CEO of Risman Partners, LLC, providing strategic advisory services in modernization, communications, organizational performance, and leadership development. A committed community advocate, she is deeply engaged in mentorship, business engagement, and cultural leadership, with a strong dedication to honoring her Persian heritage and supporting the next generation of changemakers in the Southeast.
Ms. Risman holds her Master in Business Administration, Master of Public Health, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a Certified Project Management Professional and Certified Scrum Product Owner. She is a graduate of Emory University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, and is an executive graduate and Global Ambassador for Harvard University's National Preparedness Leadership Institute.
Outside professional work, she is energized by movement, cultural exploration, and meaningful connection—approaching life with intellectual curiosity, gratitude, and a passion for curating memorable experiences with family and community. Whether participating in a Pilates class, traveling to new countries, or enjoying dining experiences with family and friends, she approaches life with intellectual curiosity, deep appreciation, and a passion for curating memorable moments.
Farid Toub
Treasurer
Farid Toub holds a DMD and a Master’s in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania. With over 17 years of experience as a Vice President and Clinical Director for several national dental organizations, he has overseen clinical operations across multi-group practices. In addition to his healthcare leadership, he is the Co-Founder of Lakewood Commercial Properties, which has been active in Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina since 2015.
Farid joined the Persian American Chamber of Commerce to help cultivate a strong, interconnected community where entrepreneurship and mentorship can thrive. He believes in the power of heritage and collaboration to open doors and shape future leaders. Through his background in clinical leadership and entrepreneurship, he is committed to helping build a vibrant ecosystem for Persian Americans in business and beyond.
Outside of his professional life, Farid is passionate about travel, a dedicated fan of sporting events, and an avid music enthusiast—both as a listener and a player.
THE COMMITTEE
Valerie Fatemi
Events & Programs
Valerie Fatemi graduated with a MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Owner of Le Faucheur Tearoom and former U.S. Army Officer.
Valerie joined PACCSE to build a legacy for my daughter—one that combines economic opportunity with a true sense of belonging. Her goal is for her to grow up in a community where she’s celebrated for being both Persian and American. Drawing on my experience in the events industry, She is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable experiences—celebrations that linger in people’s minds long after they’re over.
In Valeries downtime, you’ll find her reading, watching Korean dramas, enjoying a glass of wine, savoring tadiq, and sharing a good laugh.
Elnaz Sajadieh
Marketing & Communication
Elnaz Sajadieh is a highly accomplished real estate professional with Shiva Group at Compass. She has consistently ranked among the top agents since Compass’s early expansion into Atlanta, playing a key role in the success of the Shiva Group. Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to her clients, Elnaz has become a trusted guide—especially for first-time and out-of-state buyers looking for a reliable, knowledgeable partner. Her business continues to grow largely through referrals, a testament to the deep and lasting relationships she builds with each client.
Elnaz joined PACCSE to be part of a dynamic and supportive community. She is passionate about fostering the Persian-American network in the Southeast and is committed to helping young entrepreneurs connect with the right people and resources to help their businesses thrive—just as others did for her. She brings a collaborative spirit, a team-player mindset, and a keen eye for detail to the Chamber.
When she’s not working, Elnaz loves spending time in nature, whether she’s exploring local walking trails or recentering through hot yoga and Pilates. She also enjoys catching up with friends over happy hour at her favorite local spot, Delbar.
Shiva Vasseghi
Membership & Outreach
Determination. Trust. Vision. Leadership. Integrity. As a part of Compass, Shiva is among leaders in the real estate industry paving the way for innovation, efficiency, and growth.
From founding and scaling a successful children’s boutique in her 30s to launching a career as one of Atlanta’s top real estate agents, Shiva leads her life with the same growth mindset.
She believes in challenging herself personally and professionally and finds purpose in empowering others along the way. She enjoys bringing people together, whether it be brainstorming in a business meeting or socializing on a night in on her beloved patio.
Her philosophy is simple. Do what you love. Spend quality time with people you love. Set goals and have fun along the way. And always be willing to help others live their full potential. She looks forward to giving back to the Iranian-American community as a member of PACCSE!
She is most passionate about contributing through active team building, goal setting for the community, and serving as a motivational leader for the next generation.
Massoud Zeineddini
Business Development
Massoud Zeineddini is a seasoned entrepreneur, developer, and philanthropist with over three decades of hands-on experience in business development, healthcare management, and luxury residential construction. From launching his first ventures while still in high school to founding Precision Development, Inc., Massoud has consistently blended strategic vision with relentless work ethic.
After earning his auto mechanic certification, he pursued business management studies at Dekalb College while managing multiple businesses. In the early ’90s, he expanded to Philadelphia, launching and modernizing three dental practices with cutting-edge technologies such as digital radiography and paperless systems—all while completing courses in anatomy, biology, and business.
Returning to Atlanta in the mid-90s, Massoud studied building construction and soon built and sold his first spec home. In 1998, he founded Precision Development, Inc., becoming a certified general contractor and GSWCC-certified professional. Since then, he has developed subdivisions and constructed hundreds of high-end homes throughout metro Atlanta, creating beautiful, lasting spaces for families.
Beyond business, Massoud is an avid adventurer and lifelong athlete. He is an advanced diver, skier, and water sports enthusiast, with a passion for horseback riding, yoga, and travel—taking at least one trip per month. His commitment to philanthropy has been a consistent part of his life, as has his dedication to health and fitness, working out daily for over 40 years.
Keivan Zandi
Student Affairs
Keivan Zandi, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Medical Virology and Director of the Natural Products Research Center (NPRC) at Morehouse School of Medicine. He bridges academia and industry: previously Associate Director of Virology at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, where he established BSL-3 operations and advanced lung-targeted RNAi programs toward IND-enabling studies. Over two decades, his teams have pursued antivirals from natural-product scaffolds, nucleoside and peptidomimetic analogues, RNA-interference platforms, and vector-based biologics against high-priority pathogens.
Keivan has led programs across three continents, heading the Antiviral Research Unit at the University of Malaya and directing a tropical infectious-diseases center in Iran, and has authored 100+ peer-reviewed publications and co-invented multiple patents licensed by industry. At his current role at Morehouse School of Medicine as the Director of Natural Products Research Center (NPRC), he is expanding NPRC into a collaborative hub translating nature’s chemical diversity into equitable therapeutics that serve diverse communities. He is honored to support PACCSE’s mission to empower, connect, and advocate for Persian-American businesses and professionals across the Southeast.
