The American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn has dismissed Executive Director Bilal Hammoud after discovering unaccounted funds, with authorities now investigating possible misdirection of state economic development grants.
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce, based in Dearborn, has terminated its executive director, Bilal Hammoud, following the discovery of missing organizational funds. The chamber announced the decision on August 21, stating that it is now cooperating with law enforcement and regulatory agencies as an investigation moves forward.
According to the chamber, the matter has been referred to the Dearborn Police Department, the Michigan Attorney General's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The organization is working with a law firm to conduct an internal review, aiming to restore trust among its members and business partners.
State Grant Funds Under Scrutiny
Sources familiar with the situation report that the chamber is examining the handling of approximately $1 million in funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). These funds were intended to support the chamber's business incubator, Tejara, but may have been diverted from their original purpose. Financial records show Tejara reported $1.7 million in revenue in 2023, dropping to $11,192 in 2024.
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce, through Tejara, received $3.4 million from the MEDC's Small Business Support Hubs program in 2023. It remains unclear whether these specific funds are part of the current investigation. The MEDC declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry.
Leadership Changes and Ongoing Investigations
Bilal Hammoud, who was appointed to the Michigan Workforce Development Board by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2025, did not respond to requests for comment. Hammoud previously held roles with the Michigan Department of State and served on several nonprofit and university boards.
This leadership change comes nearly four years after the chamber's previous executive director, Fay Beydoun, faced scrutiny over a $20 million state grant awarded to a business accelerator that had not yet been established. Beydoun was later charged with multiple counts related to her management of those funds and reporting practices. The Attorney General's Office has previously called for increased oversight of the MEDC, citing concerns about the agency's grant administration.
Context: Oversight and Community Impact
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce is a prominent organization supporting Arab American businesses in Michigan. Its business incubator, Tejara, has been a recipient of significant state economic development funding. The current investigation highlights ongoing concerns about oversight and accountability in the distribution of public grants to nonprofit organizations. The chamber's board has pledged transparency as the review continues, but the outcome of the investigation and any potential impact on local business support programs remain to be seen.
