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MEET THE BOARD

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Dr. Wissam Nadra


President
 

My name is Dr. Wissam Nadra and I am

a pediatrician in private practice around the Lake Norman area, just north of Charlotte.  Born in Sebnay, Lebanon,

 

I grew up in Dubai and later in

Los Angeles, CA, after immigrating

to the US with my parents and two younger brothers.  Shortly after we got married, my beautiful wife Widad

and I moved to NC in 2000. 

 

We have three children: daughter

Nahi, and two sons: Edouard and

Nicolas that were born in NC and

being raised here. 

​

Joining the Metrolina Phoenician

Club as a member in 2004, I later

served on the Board for a number

of years off and on, prior to assuming

the position of MPC President for

the years

2016 - 2017 and 2020 - 2023.

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Natasha Tommy Beathe

Vice President

My name is Natasha Beathe and I moved

to Charlotte in 2011 with my late husband Tom Beathe (1952-2024).

 

We met at a church for foreigners in Lebanon, as we were both members of the expat community:

Tom was American while I was born in Trinidad to a Lebanese mother and Syrian father. In Charlotte, we were immediately welcomed by the Middle Eastern community and even served together on the MPC board from 2014-2016, Tom as Treasurer while I used my experience in journalism to act as Secretary.

 

I am honored to again serve on the board of the MPC, which has been instrumental in fostering the rich cultural heritage of our community.

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Dr. Natalie Jowdy
 

​Secretary

Hello, I’m Natalie Jowdy and my family

and I moved to Charlotte a few years ago from snowy upstate New York!

I grew up in Ohio, and completed my residency in Michigan.

The move south was a big change but we have come to love the weather, the culture and the people of this city (but, we are still loyal to the Buffalo Bills). 

​

My professional interests include

Women’s Health and preventative medicine. I have had many teaching experiences in the past which I also cherished.

Throughout my studies and my career, I have been involved in numerous extracurriculars and held many leadership roles in various clubs and organizations. I enjoy traveling, cooking, playing piano, and being outdoors.

​

During our first month in Charlotte, we had the opportunity to attend the MPC’s yearly haffleh, and had the pleasure of meeting so many great club members. Since then, we have been truly impressed by this philanthropic organization and its efforts

to bring our community together,

whether for celebration in good times or fundraising in times of need.

 

I am honored to now represent the community as Secretary of the MPC.

Thank you.

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Kelly Brais

Marketing & Communication Director

    My name is Ikhlas (Kelly) Brais and I’m honored to again serve on the MPC Board.

     

    I am originally from Jordan, and my husband of 37 years, Joe Brais, is from Lebanon. Together, we’ve built a wonderful life and are proud parents of three amazing children and two grandchildren.

     

    I’ve been blessed to call the United States home for 44 years, with the last 18 years spent in North Carolina. Before that, I lived in California, where my journey in real estate and business truly took off.

     

    As a real estate broker, I’ve been proudly serving clients across North and South Carolina for 18 years, helping hundreds of families find their dream homes. Before becoming a broker, I worked alongside my husband as a real estate investor and entrepreneur, successfully running three businesses at the same time while managing our investments. 

     

    I’ve had the privilege of serving on the

    MPC board for several years in the past,

    and I truly value the opportunity to collaborate, bring fresh ideas, and

    make meaningful contributions.

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    Lamia Hanna

    Treasurer


     

    My name is Lamia Hanna and I am the Immediate Past Vice President of the Metrolina Phoenician Club.

     

    I am originally from the Koura District of Lebanon and have been living in Charlotte for most of my life.

     

    I am a business owner, a wife, mother to three beautiful children, and a grandmother. I am a woman who loves to stay busy and I always enjoy helping people.

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    Dr. Elias Arbid 

    Board Member

      My name is Elias Arbid and my wife Rita and I moved to Charlotte in 2019. In addition to North Carolina, I have lived in several states including Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts. Originally from Lebanon, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American University of Beirut in 1982. After immigrating to the United States in 1983, I went on to earn my Doctorate in Medicine at the University of Massachusetts. Since then, I have taught and practiced Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and have assumed many leadership positions, including Chief of Vascular Surgery at Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital, along with several others. I am an active member of the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. My area of expertise is advanced limb salvage and amputation prevention, complex arterial and venous diseases, and dialysis access creation and management. 

       

      I have loved my time in Charlotte and really enjoy attending MPC events as a community member. It is an honor to serve the community who has been so welcoming of my family and I as newcomers the last several years.

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      Edouard Nadra

      Board Member

      My name is Edouard Nadra and I have been a member of the MPC since my family joined in 2004.

       

      I have a long history of volunteering with the MPC at auctions, game nights, picnics, and the annual Christmas Party.

       

      I graduated from Davidson College in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Public Health, having written my thesis on The Lebanese Civil War.

       

      I am well versed in public speaking,             a world traveler, and I am fluent in    Arabic, Spanish and some Persian.

       

      I hope to bring new insight to our wonderful chapter of the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese     

       American Clubs (SFSLAC).

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      Charles Saleh

      Board Member

      Charles Saleh is a senior advisor to Legacy Ventures. He leverages his deep operating and investing experience to support acquisitions, growth initiatives and performance improvements. Charles served as the CEO and on the board of directors of Tin Roof Software, PRO-Techs, American Flamecoat, and Hardcore Parts

      .

      Charles was formerly the CEO of Porter’s Group and the CEO of Beta. Throughout his career, Charles has founded, acquired and still operates several companies in the technology, industrials, and real estate Ventures.

      ​Charles is deeply engaged within the community. He served on the Charlotte, NC Chamber’s Board of Advisors and formerly served on the Charlotte Christian Board of trustees. International Phoenician Club board of trustees off and on since inception.  He served as the chairman of the Manufacturing Flagship for Carolina Advantage, and was on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Development Corporation.

       

      Charles also served as a member of the Westside Business Association, and supports programs that targets youth, as well as many other non-profits.

      Charles has his BS in Engineering from Iowa State and his Masters from          Georgia tech. 

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      Mark Saleh
       
      Board Member

      ​My name is Mark Saleh, son of Charles and Mary Saleh. 2025 is my first year as board member of MPC.

       

      I am a first generation Lebanese-American born and raised here in Charlotte. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and recently moved back to Charlotte.

       

      My hobbies include the gym, travel, outdoors activities, and video games.

       

      I’m excited for the opportunity to serve this community and am motivated by positively impacting those around me that I share this beautiful culture with.

      ABOUT US

      The Metrolina Phoenician Club serves as a social organization for Lebanese and Lebanese-Americans and others who support our common objectives, to preserve the Lebanese heritage and traditions, and to promote and support humanitarian efforts including charitable efforts in Lebanon and the United States of America

      ​

      The Metrolina Phoenician Club is affiliated with the Southern Federation of Syrian Lebanese American Clubs.

      ADDRESS

      ​Metrolina Phoenician Club
      P.O. Box 49161
      Charlotte, NC 28277

      ​

      mpc.charlotte@gmail.com

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      © 2024 The Metrolina Phoenician Club

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