SEPTEMBER 2023

NOTEWORTHY
Omar Hakim New Director of Education
for Detroit Public TV
The local PBS affiliate, Detroit Public TV (DPTV) has hired Omar Hakim as its new executive director
of education. In his new role, Hakim will lead the day-to-day management and strategy of the
education team, which includes DPTV’s work with parents and early childhood educators in the
city of Detroit. The scope also includes the statewide Michigan Learning Channel (MLC), as well
as its newly launched Future of Work educational initiative. In addition, Hakim will assume the
philanthropic responsibility of working with the state government to seek out funding to maintain
sustainable financial support for MLC.
Prior to joining DPTV, Hakim served as an educator, curriculum and instructional leader, and
building administrator in Troy and Birmingham Public Schools and with Detroit Country Day
Schools (DCDS).
Javon R. David named a ‘2023
Honoree for Influential Women of Law’
by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Javon R. David, an attorney at Butzel, has been named as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential
Women of Law” for 2023. The awards program, previously known as “Women in the Law,” honors women
attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system, helping clients, commitment
to their communities, and service to the profession.
David is a member of Butzel’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group, one of the
firm’s largest practice areas. She concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial litigation,
media and entertainment law, and product liability. She has extensive litigation experience, and
successfully handles matters from the onset of suit through trial.
David serves on the Business Court and Counsel Committee for the Oakland County Bar
Association and serves as Deputy General Counsel for the Michigan Press Association
(MPA). She also serves on the Board of Governors for the Young Leaders Council and is
an active member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. Notably, she performs
pro bono work for Avalon Healing Center, a Detroit-based non-profit which does
important work to help survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Michael Sarafa Named as Counsel for Butzel
With his 35 years in business, law, finance, and public affairs, Michael G. Sarafa has been named Counsel for
Butzel. Helping clients navigate issues in the governmental sector as well as in the realm of outside counsel services,
Michael has achieved an enviable reputation in legal and political circles in Michigan as a knowledgeable
and trusted legal advisor. Now he practices law in the firm’s Troy location and in the
Butzel offices in the State and US Capitols. Michael is a member of the Government Relations
and Regulatory Specialty Team and General Counsel Services Practice Department.
He began his career in the governmental arena as a legislative aide in the Michigan
House of Representatives and later served as an executive assistant to Dennis
Archer during his tenure as Mayor of Detroit. His experience includes assembling
teams of finance, human resources, operations, marketing, and legal professionals.
As CEO of Bank of Michigan, Michael successfully navigated the bank through
the 2008-2010 real estate recession.
As a community leader, Michael has served on numerous boards of directors
and nonprofit organizations, including Bloomfield Brother Rice High School, Bank
of Ann Arbor, Chaldean Community Foundation, Michigan Association of Beauty
Professionals, and Supercuts Franchisee Association.
10 CHALDEAN NEWS SEPTEMBER 2023