About Ahmed Shehata

An Experienced NGO Leader  

An experienced leader in nonprofit development and fundraising, Ahmed Shehata was recently named the CEO of Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), one of the nation’s most prominent Muslim nonprofit organizations. Mr. Shehata has worked in development roles at IRUSA for two decades, most recently as director of fund development. Mr. Shehata catalyzed impressive growth in fundraising that has allowed IRUSA to expand its many humanitarian relief and development programs.  

As CEO, Ahmed Shehata seeks to further enhance IRUSA’s programmatic impact and institutional growth by attracting new revenue sources, cultivating diverse partnerships, and strengthening its processes and operations. Mr. Shehata directs more than $250 million in domestic and international programming, which includes emergency response and development projects in health, education, and poverty relief to address complex humanitarian crises in 40 countries around the world.  

In his previous role as IRUSA’s director of fund development, Mr. Shehata oversaw unprecedented growth in donors, revenue, and programmatic impact. Among other accomplishments, Mr. Shehata led innovative fundraising efforts that helped double the organization’s annual fundraising revenue within a five-year period. These efforts included effective cross-channel fundraising from sources such as Fortune 500 companies, high-net-worth individuals, and foundations. Mr. Shehata also commissioned a first-of-its-kind national report titled “Muslim American Giving 2021.” 

Mr. Shehata began his career at IRUSA in 2004 as a development coordinator. In this capacity, Shehata planned and organized fundraising activities, conducted outreach, and cultivated relationships with groups and individuals to grow the organization’s list of donors. Mr. Shehata subsequently served IRUSA as regional manager, Middle East national campaign manager, and community outreach manager before becoming director of fund development and ultimately CEO.  

Ahmed Shehata graduated from Strayer University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master of science in management. Mr. Shehata later earned a master of arts in philanthropic studies from Indiana University.