Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, announced that the Honorable John Chiang, California State Controller, will be the guest speaker at a reception on Wednesday, November  18, 2009 at  6:30 p.m.  The reception, hosted by the members of the Government Relations and Protocol Committee will be held in the Hampar Reception Room at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex, in Burbank.  

Archbishop Derderian initiated the establishment of the Government Relations and Protocol Committee to improve communication, to share dialogue and to develop an ongoing relationship and partnership between the Diocese and all levels of Government to better serve and represent the community.  "We are very pleased and honored," the Primate stated, "that our State Controller is taking time from his busy schedule to meet with us and bring us up to date on California's fiscal crisis and financial condition."

Controller John Chiang was elected in November 2006 to serve as California's Chief Fiscal Officer, assuming office on January 8,  2007. The Controller is the Chair of the Franchise Tax Board and during even-numbered years, the State Lands Commission.  He serves on 78 Boards and Commissions including CalPERS and CalSTRS, two of the nation's largest pension funds.  Controller Chiang has long championed financial literacy and he is using his position to empower working families.  Through seminars and free tax preparation assistance, Chiang educates low and middle-income Californians about taking advantage of tax credits and refunds they have earned. 

As a member of the State Lands Commission, Chiang is committed to preserving the state's 1,200 miles of coastline that stretch from Oregon to Mexico, and ensuring the public has access to safe, pristine parks and recreation areas. 

Chiang brings extensive experience and fiscal leadership to the State Controller's Office.  He was first elected to the Board of Equalization in 1998 where he served two terms, including three years as Chair.  He began his career as a tax law specialist with the Internal Revenue Service and previously served as an attorney in the State Controller's Office. 

Chiang is the son of immigrant parents, and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance.  He received his law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.  Chiang and his wife, Terry Chi, live in Torrance, California.

 This event is free and open to the community.  For information call Western Diocese (818) 558-7474.