The Michigan Works! Association honored Wayne County Commissioner and SEMCA’s SEGA Board Chair, Abdul “Al” Haidous as its 2023 Volunteer of the Year.
“Commissioner Haidous has been a long-time, outstanding advocate for Michigan Works! and its resources,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “His leadership has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and public awareness of the Michigan Works! network. We are grateful for his commitment to improving the lives of others and are honored to name him our Volunteer of the Year.”
Lebanon-native Abdul Haidous came to the City of Wayne 49 years ago, and quickly became a staple of the community, owning and operating Al’s Friendly Market with the help of his wife, Mary, for 35 years. In 1993, he became the city’s first Arab-American elected official and in 2001, the city’s only voter-elected mayor. Raising five children, he often shared the story of achieving the American dream. He placed the highest emphasis on education with his children, all of which have obtained a minimum of a master’s degree. He continues to emphasize the importance of education with his twelve grandchildren.
“In whatever role he has served (Councilman, Mayor, County Commissioner) he has been a strong advocate for the Michigan Works! system,” said Greg Pitoniak, CEO of SEMCA Michigan Works!. “As a former business owner, he understands the needs of businesses and continues to obtain knowledge through his substantial network with the business community.”
In 2014, he was elected to the Wayne County Commission for District 11 and as the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, serves on the Committee of Public Services and Wayne County Airport Authority, and the Special Committee for Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs. His deep commitment to public service includes serving on the boards of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and previously on the Governors Workforce Development Board under both Governor Snyder and Governor Whitmer.
Commissioner Haidous supports and participates in events offered by the Michigan Works! Association and National Association of Workforce Boards, attending annual conferences and special events honoring those we serve. He has been a regular, very effective participant with legislative visits in Lansing and Washington DC.