The Georgian Association is an organization committed to the preservation of Georgian culture among members of the Georgian Diaspora in the United States. Through the promotion of Georgian traditions and culture, we aim to strengthen the community of American-Georgians living in the US. We wish to inform other Americans of the unique features of Georgian culture and the ways in which it contributes to the multicultural American experience. We foster close links between the US and Georgia, and encourage closer political, economic and cultural links between the two countries.
Georgian Association in the United States of America advisors in the past have included the Honorable Kent N. Brown, First U.S. Ambassador to Georgia; the Honorable William H. Courtney, Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia; Philip L. Kohl, Wellesley College; Richard Pipes, Harvard University; Roger Rosen, Rosen Publishing; Colonel Othar J. Shalikashvili; Nano Sidamon-Eristoff; S. Enders Wimbush, Hudson Institute; the Honorable Kenneth S. Yalowitz, Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia; and Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, Former President, Georgian Association.
Founders of the Georgian Association
| Dimitri Alavidse Siko Eristavi Vano Kobakhidze | Paul Kvaratshelia George Matchabeli Irakli Orbeliani |
The Georgian Association in the United States of America was founded in 1932 by Georgian patriots, immigrants to the U.S. who escaped Russia’s occupation of Georgia in 1921 and the unsuccessful revolt in 1924. Founders of the Association were dedicated Georgians hoping to reestablish an independent democratic state of Georgia.
In 1960, the Georgian Association became a non-profit charitable US 501(c)(3) corporation. It has assisted in maintaining public awareness of the Georgian Nation and preserving Georgia’s identity and culture. The Association has provided a forum for discussing Georgian issues and has been a unifying entity for Georgian concerns.
Presidents
George Matchabeli
1932-1935
Irakli Orbeliani
1935-1941
Paul Kvaratskelia
1941-1945
Artchil Gourielli
1945-1947
Tamara Kvaratskelia
1947-1950
Leo Dumbadze
1950-1956
Vano Kobakhidze
1956-1958
Othar Zaldastani, S.D.
1958-1965
Dimitry Alavidze
1965-1966
Guivy Zaldastani
1966-1974
Elsa Tsomaia
1974-1977
Sandro Baratheli
1977-1985
Aftandil Papiashvili, MD
1985-1989
Dillary M. Pirts
1989-1991
Lado Goudjabidze
1991-1992
Guivy Zaldastani
1992-1995
Elizabeth Zaldastani Napier
1995-2001
Nino Japaridze
2001-2006
Mamuka Tsereteli
2006-2016
Elisso Kvitashvili
2016 – 2020
Veronika Metonidze
2020 – 2024
Salome Tsereteli-Stephens
2024 – present
Board Officers & Members
Officers
Salome Tsereteli-Stephens, President
georgianassociation@gmail.com
Veronika Metonidze, Treasurer
Eka Imerlishvili, Secretary
Board Members
Nina Chkareuli-Mdivani
John (Tsotne) Dadiani
Eka Imerlishvili
Stephen Jones
Veronika Metonidze
Valerian Sikhuashvili
Salome Tsereteli-Stephens