Michael Ghassali ’15 Elected Mayor of Montvale

Michael Ghassali, a 2015 graduate of William Paterson, the new mayor of Montvale, recently made history. He is the first Syrian-born Christian mayor in the United States.

Ghassali, a two-term Montvale Councilman and 12-year Montvale resident, told the Pascack Valley Daily Voice that his election is a reflection of the strong character of the people of Montvale. “For the people of Montvale to vote in someone like me, who they know is from Syria, has an accent, and looks middle Eastern, speaks volumes,” he said.

Prior to his election, Ghassali served as vice president of corporate partnerships at Feed the Children. He has experience in business, entrepreneurship, and corporate executive management. He is the former founder/owner of Valu Cuts Hair Salons Enterprises, Damage Research Inc., and NAASELDA Financials, LLC. He graduated from William Paterson with a degree in sociology.