Dr. Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw, currently the President & CEO of ETSS, has an extensive and distinguished background in the medical and public health fields. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, followed by a master’s in public health Methodology, Education, and Behavioral Sciences from the Public Health School in Brussels, Belgium. His early career in Ethiopia was marked by significant roles, including practicing medicine and serving as the Executive Director of the Gondar Regional Health Department. Facing a tumultuous political climate, Dr. Seleshi sought asylum in Belgium in 1996 during the Ethiopian civil war and human rights crisis. A year later, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he continued his commitment to public health and community service. In Columbus, he worked with Jewish Family Services and the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), directing programs that supported refugee and immigrant communities, notably the IDA and Microenterprise programs funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). These programs were designed to build assets in immigrant-founded small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Dr. Seleshi’s leadership has been instrumental in fundraising efforts, successfully securing over $45 million in public and private funding since 2005. These funds have significantly bolstered the support systems for refugees and immigrants in Columbus. He has been a driving force behind the design and implementation of ETSS Adult and Youth refugee programs, reflecting his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing new immigrants. His passion for aiding their transition to life in the United States is evident in his work. His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Seleshi and his organization have received numerous accolades and recognition for their services. These include appreciation from the Franklin County Commissioners, the Mayor’s office, City Council, the Columbus Foundation, United Way of Central Ohio, and the Governor’s Office. Individually, Dr. Seleshi has been honored with several prestigious awards, such as the 2015 C-suite award from Columbus Business First, the 2015 Molina Healthcare Ohio Community Champion Award, the 2016 African Distinction Humanitarian Award from the OSU African Youth League, and the 2016 Cultural Diversity Role Model award from Columbus Business First, along with the 50 Smart Business award of 2016. These accolades are a testament to his unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the field of public health and community service.