Sylviane ZEHIL is an American-Lebanese professional with over 35 years of experience in journalism, research, documentation and public relations. Since 1992 to date, Sylviane is the New York and United Nations based Bureau Chief for “L’Orient Le Jour”, a leading daily independent newspaper, in French, published in Beirut, Lebanon. From 2007 to 2009, she was appointed the New York and United Nations Bureau Chief for “An Nahar”, a leading Pan Arab daily newspaper based in Beirut, Lebanon. She was instrumental in the founding of “L’Orient Le Jour” and “An Nahar” at the United Nations.
Sylviane covers extensively Lebanon, Syria and the Middle East as well as the art and culture and the Lebanese diaspora in New York. Her articles and interviews of leading politicians have been published extensively in numerous newspapers and magazines. She has developed over the years an in-depth understanding of the Middle East, Europe and the United States. She holds a Bachelor Degree and a Master Degree in Modern French Literature, from “Université de la Sorbonne”, Paris, France.
In 1977, Sylviane launched and directed “CEDRE”, the first computerized documentation and research center in Beirut, Lebanon. She also participated in establishing “La Maison du Futur”, the first Think Tank and center for strategic studies working directly under the direction of the President of Lebanon, Amine Gemayel. Its objective was to assist the government in defining and implementing its economic, social, environmental and cultural policies. She also launched “Panorama de l’Actualité” (Haliyyat), a quarterly review in three languages covering the war in Lebanon and the Palestinian Issues, a tool used by universities, research centers, and diplomats positioned in Lebanon. In 1977, she published “La Documentation”, a book commissioned by the Lebanese University of Beirut.
From 1980 to 1986, Sylviane was a pioneer and a leader in establishing with two partners the “Société d’Exposition et de Promotion” (SEP), a trade fairs company based in Beirut, Lebanon.
Sylviane Zehil is an Executive Board Member of the Dag Hammarskjöld Fellowships for Journalist. She has been elected UNCA Vice President. She is also a “TAKREEM” Selection Board Member. In 2012, She received an honor from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz during the “Lebanese Heritage Day’s” celebration for her contribution to Lebanon at the United Nations and for her devotion in helping shape the Lebanese community in New York. Sylviane is married to Bud J. Zehil, co-founder, President and CEO and Chief Architect of AdTek Information Systems, Inc., a global industry leader providing integrated software products and customized software and Internet solutions to the financial services industry.