(PAST AND PRESENT)

PROFILES

VINCENT CHIBUZOR NWAESEI

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Vincent Chibuzor Nwaesei is one of the founding members of Issele Association of North America (IANA) Inc. and has remained a member since inception (1999). Mr. Nwaesei is the current National President of IANA Inc. and has served in other capacities within the organization. He was the first elected IANA National Treasurer (2001-2004) and, subsequently, became the IANA National Finance Committee Chair (2004 -2008). As a member of the Detroit Chapter of IANA Inc., Mr. Nwaesei has been a very dynamic and dedicated IANA member at the Chapter and National levels. He played an active role in the 2004 and 2014 IANA National Conventions hosted by the Detroit Chapter of IANA Inc.

Vincent Chibuzor Nwaesei graduated from the University of Calabar in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in English & Literary Studies. Mr. Nwaesei is a Certified Financial Planner with TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. He currently manages a portfolio with over $70 million in Assets Under Administration (AUA). He has been in the banking industry for over 26 years. He worked with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) from 1989 to 2004. He worked at CIBC as a Customer Service Manager, and later as a Financial Adviser. In 2004, he joined the TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. as a Financial Planner. In 2009, he obtained his Certified Financial Planner designation. He is now a Senior Financial Planner with TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.

Vincent Chibuzor Nwaesei lives in Windsor Ontario, Canada, with his lovely wife, Mrs. Justina Nwaesei (nee Okwunwa). They have five lovely children (now young adults). Mr. Nwaesei is one of the founding members of the African Community Organization of Windsor (ACOW) Inc. He belongs to other community groups in Windsor Ontario, and has served on other boards and committees. Mr. Nwaesei started his community service at a young age. He was a Mass Server at his local church in Issele-Uku; Assistant Secretary of the Idumu Amibor Family Union, Lagos; and Director General of the Press Club at the University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Mr. Nwaesei has received a number of awards for his unwavering service to his community. Here are some of the awards he received: (i) Long-term Service Award – 2015, African Community Organization (ACOW) Inc.; (ii) Newcomer Settlement Volunteer Award – 2006, Citizenship and Immigration, Canada; (iii) Service Recognition Award – 2005, Congo Action Network, Windsor Ontario; and (iv) Ontario Volunteer Service Award – 2003, Citizenship and Immigration, Canada.

VERONICA UFOEGBUNE

VICE PRESIDENT

A Nigerian American Educator, Keynote Speaker and Professional Host/Mistress of Ceremony (MC), Dr. Veronica Ufoegbune is Director of Early Education at Alameda Unified School District, Adjunct Faculty at California State University East Bay, Instructor/Examiner-Berlitz Languages, Board Member; United Nations Association-East-Bay, Chair; Alameda County Early Care-Education Planning Council, Former President, Anioma USA Tribal Inc.-National Chair of Anioma USA Youth Group.

Dr. Ufoegbune has a BA Degree-Nigeria, MA-Mills College-Oakland, Doctor of Education from Pepperdine University, Malibu-California in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policies. Dr. Ufoegbune loves quality family time with her four wonderful children and caring husband. “Dr. Vee” as she is called by many is passionate about positive change in at home in Nigeria. She shares her support for elevation and empowerment of youth, support for Girls Education and the rights of girls and women in Nigeria and globally.

MATTHEW AZUH

IANA SECRETARY

Matthew Azuh is a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago IL with B.S. in Chemistry/Biology; MBA in Global Management.

He is the current CEO of Global PharmaDevice Solutions (GPDS), a Clinical Research Management and Regulatory Compliance Consulting firm, which he founded in 2004. GPDS serves pharmaceutical and medical device companies around the globe.

Mr. Azuh has been very active in the industry for over 20 years with memberships in various industry associations, including Illinois Biotechnology Industry Association (iBIO), Parenteral Drug Association (PDA), Association of Medical Diagnostics Manufacturing (AMDM), etc. Mr. Azuh has been appointed by the State of Illinois as a delegate in the past 3 years for international industry trade missions to Tokyo Japan, Bangalore India, and Osaka Japan.

Mr. Azuh has been an active member of IANA since its inception in 1999, and has been elected by IANA members as a National Officer in the past 4 years.

ISSELE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.