HKMBPO Enters a New Chapter of Growth, Transformation and Impact
July 2026 | Yerevan, Armenia
2026 is set to shape the next chapter in the HKMBPO’s over 30 years of impact-driven operations in Armenia.
Strategic priorities drive this new era: the evolution of programs to address today’s emerging needs; building institutional capacity and strategic partnerships to enable this transformation; investment in advanced technologies and modern equipment to support the envisioned change; and the erection of a new state-of-the-art facility to serve as HKMBPO’s Center of Excellence for bringing all of these initiatives under one roof. The new leadership is charged with making it happen.
Nearly eight months into her role as Executive Director of the Howard Karagheusian Medical Benevolent Public Organization (HKMBPO), Liana Sargsyan is leading a bold era of institutional growth, strategic transformation, and expanded national impact for children and families across Armenia.
Taking on this role in November 2025, Liana Sargsyan moved decisively to bring her expertise to HKMBPO and execute the envisioned transformation, while remaining firmly anchored in the more than century-old vision and mission of the Karagheusian family.
“It is a tremendous honor to lead an institution with such a distinguished legacy of service to children and families,” said Ms. Sargsyan. “It would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of the HKMBPO General Assembly, as well as our exceptional professional team in Armenia.”
Under Liana’s leadership, the programs are being carefully refined to optimally address the current needs in a rapidly developing environment. The team of professionals works tirelessly to bring this process to fruition.
Building the Next Generation of Impact
The first priority has been the Pediatric Oral Health Prevention Program, guided by international expertise since its inception in 1992. HKMBPO has accelerated its advancement by bridging collaborations and partnerships with state and academic institutions, investing in professional education and workforce development on one side, and broadening national, regional and provincial community outreach on the other. This has resulted in several significant achievements, including close collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to support the development of a national strategy on pediatric oral health prevention. A major step forward was the kick-off meeting of the National Working Group, held following HKMBPO’s formal written proposal to the Minister of Health in January 2026 and a subsequent meeting with the Deputy Minister and representatives of the MoH’s Maternal and Child Health Department to initiate and support the development of a National Pediatric Oral Health Strategy. Many of the recommendations outlined in HKMBPO’s proposal build on strategies presented and discussed through various professional platforms. With the active engagement of Dental Advisor Dr. Myron Allukian, since the establishment of the HKMBPO, his practical recommendations, including the engagement of pediatricians in the prevention program, have been brought up in response to the growing need for preventive action to address the high prevalence of dental caries among children in Armenia. Another landmark development was the newly signed partnership with Yerevan State Medical University, which established HKMBPO as an official clinical training base for residents, postgraduate students, and dental professionals. “We are proud to help forge the next generation of pediatric dentists in Armenia,” said Dr. Alisa Badalyan, Director of HKMBPO’s Medical Program, who has been with the organization since its early years in the country. Over the past decades, HKMBPO has built a wealth of clinical experience and expertise in pediatric oral health, and the current leadership is committed to passing that knowledge on to the next generation. Becoming a clinical training base will facilitate exactly that by providing the country’s future pediatric dentists with hands-on training and mentorship, just as training and mentorship have always been an integral part of HKMBPO’s operations, especially for new hires.
In addition, HKMBPO is advancing its Psychosocial and Educational Programs by introducing international expertise, implementing stronger professional standards, and developing evidence-based service models designed to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of children and families.
As HKMBPO enters this new era, the organization remains firmly committed to honoring its legacy while pursuing ambitious growth, innovation, and institutional excellence.
“HKMBPO is becoming a key contributor to child health and development in Armenia,” said Irina Lazarian, a member of the HKMBPO General Assembly. “We have every confidence in Liana’s expertise, determination, and leadership to guide the organization toward long-term sustainability and to meet the evolving needs of future generations through innovation and measurable results.”
Drawing on extensive experience across the nonprofit and private sectors, Liana Sargsyan brings proven expertise in organizational leadership, strategic development, institutional fundraising, forging high-impact partnerships, elevating professional standards, and driving mission-focused innovation. She ensures every initiative remains child-centered, family-focused, and responsive to Armenia’s most pressing needs.
Before joining HKMBPO, Ms. Sargsyan served as Deputy Director and Economic Development Program Coordinator at the Jinishian Memorial Foundation, where she led major initiatives promoting economic resilience and self-sufficiency among vulnerable communities. She also held senior leadership positions at BSC Business Support Center, directing complex donor-funded and corporate programs while overseeing organizational development, business consulting, fundraising, budgeting, proposal development, monitoring, and reporting. Liana Sargsyan holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Cyprus.
