MIAMI, FL, December 02, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Raymond J. Kayal, Sr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Kayal was born in Paterson, New Jersey, and moved to Miami with his family when he was four years old. He is the youngest of three first-generation American sons of Joseph Michael and Rose Barimo Kayal, who were both born in the ancient city of Aleppo, Syria. Ray's grandparents, the Kayal and Barimo families, settled in Paterson, following many other Syrian émigrés seeking refuge from the religious and socio-economic challenges faced by Middle Eastern Christians and other minorities at that time. They arrived at New York Harbor by ship, bringing with them their five- and seven-year-old children, who would later marry and become Ray's parents. The family was processed through Ellis Island on their path to citizenship. This rich heritage and the journey of his ancestors have significantly influenced Dr. Kayal's life and values. As an American of Syrian descent, he has been continually active in the culture of his parental birthright. Nurtured by the richness of his family heritage, Ray's journey has been deeply rooted in its cultural and religious underpinnings. His unique blend of traditions, baptized and confirmed in the Eastern (Byzantine) Catholic Rite and raised and married in the Roman (Latin) Rite of the Catholic Church, provides him with a profound understanding of religious practices and beliefs. This perspective enriches his personal life and enhances his professional and community engagements, enabling him to bridge gaps and foster greater understanding across diverse groups.
Ray's family is a founding member and dedicated supporter of Miami's Saint Jude Greek-Melkite Catholic Church and has been long-time parishioners of the Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany. Notable achievements in his religious and cultural domains have been recognized through numerous awards, honors, and recognitions he has received. These include the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO); Papal Honor of Knighthood as Commander with Star in the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great; Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta American Association; Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem; Knighthood in the Patriarchal Order of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem; and Chairman Emeritus of the Eparchial Order of St. Nicholas of the Melkite Catholic Diocese of Newton, MA.
An accomplished and award-winning business and church leader, educator, mentor, and community advocate, Kayal has forged a distinguished career with significant contributions to business, religion, human services, and academia. Working through his consultancy, RJKayal Consulting, since 2004, he provides business management guidance and solutions in operational and organizational challenges, corporate structuring, and business strategy. His chief client is NewsLink® Group LLC, previously known as Sirgany Enterprises Incorporated, a family business founded in 1959 by his father-in-law, Mitchell Sirgany, who pioneered airport concessions. Retired from Sirgany in 2004 as president and chief executive officer, his ability, along with that of his son, Raymond J. Kayal, Jr., who succeeded him, played a crucial role in transforming the family-owned business into today's NewsLink® Group. This transformation has significantly increased market share, with expansion into five major U.S. airports and fifty stores, generating $100 million in annual revenues.
Shortly after retiring from Sirgany, Ray served on the boards of two faith-based, federally qualified community healthcare organizations serving Miami Dade County's homeless population, Camillus House and Camillus Health, from 2004 to 2014. After seven years on the boards, Ray became Executive Director and CEO of Camillus Health. Embracing this new challenge with dedication, he quickly became instrumental in fundraising and expanding social and healthcare services for people experiencing homelessness. His approach was multifaceted, focusing on increasing the scope of services and enhancing operational efficiency. He spearheaded key initiatives that significantly bolstered the center's capabilities during his tenure. He worked tirelessly to secure funding, obtaining $1 million in federal and state subsidies. His efforts also attracted substantial private foundations and personal contributions, crucial in supporting the center's growth. A unique and impactful initiative was the installation of charitable giving coin collection canisters throughout NewsLink® retail stores and restaurants at Miami International Airport, a program conceived by his son, Ray Jr. This initiative generated over $7,000 monthly for Camillus Health, providing it with a steady stream of charitable giving.
Under Ray's leadership, Camillus expanded its outreach and underwent a significant transformation. The entire three-story facility was remodeled and modernized, enhancing the environment and the quality of care. The expansion included adding new healthcare services and social programs, furthering the center's mission to support the homeless population of Miami- Dade County. His tenure at Camillus is a testament to his ability to lead and innovate in challenging environments. By combining strategic vision with compassionate leadership, he left an indelible mark on the organization, ensuring it could continue serving the community effectively long after his departure.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ray is deeply committed to civic engagement, community service, and affecting positive social change. As CEO of Camillus Health, he was afforded pro-tempore status as a board member of the Health Choice Network of Florida, Inc. (2011-2014); Florida Association of Community Health Centers (2011-2014); National Health Care for the Homeless Council (2011-2014). His dedication to service is further exemplified by his current membership and support for the following organizations and institutions: the Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, the Heritage Foundation, the National World War II Museum Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, the United Service Organizations (USO), the American Red Cross, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and the American Legion. In addition, his organization memberships include the University of Miami Alumni Association, Founder Member Ave Maria University (2003- Present), the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (Trustee, 1996-2004), and Committee Chairman for the Military Service Academies Congressional Selection Rating Board's Southern Florida 19th District (1972-1976).
Dr. Kayal has made substantial contributions to academia. His academic journey includes earning a PhD in Management from Walden University in 2016, an MBA from the University of Miami in 1982, and a BBA in Personnel Management from the same institution in 1960. In addition to his dissertation (Kayal, 2016, [Doctoral dissertation, Walden University]). He published a paper inspired by his real-life experiences as a CEO working with a challenging board of directors (Kayal, 2019). For the past seven years, he has been an associate editor, board member, and peer reviewer for the International Journal of Responsible Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making. He also serves the Academy of Management as an Emeritus Member and peer reviewer of academic manuscripts submitted for publication. His earlier role as an adjunct professor and part-time instructor at the University of Miami further underscores his commitment to education and knowledge dissemination. His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and recognitions that include Golden Key International Honor Society (2013), Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business (2016), Commencement Alumni Marshall for the University of Miami School of Business (2001), and School of Law/MBA (2023).
On a personal level, Kayal has always been an athlete, involved, and committed from the sandlots of little league softball and baseball to high school football as a lineman and baseball as a pitcher. He made All-City Catholic High School Honors in football as a freshman and sophomore at Gesu High (1950-1951) and All-City Public High School
Honors at Miami Jackson High during his junior and senior years (1952-1953). The Miami Jackson football team won the Florida State High School Championship for the 1952 season, where Ray was a two-way starting left tackle. On graduation from high school, he was recruited by several colleges for his high school achievements on the gridiron. He accepted an athletic scholarship to play football for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
In addition to his athletic background, Dr. Kayal's military service and training as an enlisted member of the U.S. Marine Corps as a reservist from 1958 to 1964 has played a crucial role in shaping his character and determination, instilling a sense of discipline and resilience. These qualities have been instrumental throughout his career. This experience, combined with his active participation in his church and cultural activities, provided the bedrock foundation for leading his family business through the long and trying times of growth in a highly competitive business arena and continues to motivate him and contribute to his personal and professional growth.
Today, as a member of the Riviera Country Club, Coral Gables, FL, and the Royal Palm Tennis Club, Miami, FL, Ray is passionate about playing golf and tennis and cherishes spending time with his wife, Loraine, and family, which includes three children and five grandchildren. Looking ahead, he is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of his family members, focusing on their well-being and continuing to support their professional and personal growth.
References:
Kayal, R. J., Sr. (2016). A qualitative study comparing proposals used to evaluate airport concessionaires. (Doctor of Philosophy Doctoral Dissertation), Walden University, Minneapolis. (10242253).
Kayal, R. J., Sr. (2019). An Observational Study of Leadership Dysfunction in Nonprofit Governance. International Journal of Responsible Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making, 1(1), 38-64. doi: 10.4018/ijrledm.2019010104.
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