New Chief Operating Officer appointed at American University of Beirut

DeBin joins AUB during a period of growth, improvement, and investment in all aspects of University, including its administration, the campus environment, and the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC.) His arrival coincides with the University's near-completion of several landmark building projects, restructuring and investment in information technology, and the launch of the AUBMC 2020 Vision, a major expansion plan for the medical center.

It also follows on new appointments in recent years to other important areas of the administration including: legal affairs, information technology, and internal audit.

Originally from the United States, George DeBin was most recently in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, where he was the Special Advisor to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the American University of Sharjah from 2001-2012.

Previously he was Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. He also has years of experience in the private sector. DeBin brings to AUB expertise in all aspects of university administration, management and strategic planning.

AUB President Peter Dorman said, "We are especially pleased to welcome George DeBin to AUB. His senior-level experience in higher education and institutional administration will be invaluable. We are also delighted that he is joining us from our sister American university in Sharjah, with whom we have had close ties since its founding. The Chief Operating Officer will be a key position in my administration and will help us strategically drive and coordinate major areas of university activity."

Commenting on his appointment, George DeBin said, "I have long known of the excellent reputation of the American University of Beirut. It is a great privilege to be joining President Dorman's administration at this exciting time. Universities face continuous change in the administrative requirements needed to support teaching, research and medical care, and I look forward to working with the talented and dedicated faculty and staff at AUB."