Office of the Counselor
The counselor and the supporting team are responsible for the liaison and engagement between AUC and the Egyptian government, authorities, and educational institutions and ensure that AUC complies with the Egyptian government’s laws and regulations.
The Office of the Counselor is the main focal point for strategic and administrative functions and correspondences including, but not limited to, communications with national and regional universities, government entities, ministries and other public institutions to support all projects and events in the fields of education and research, along with arts and cultural activities in Egypt and across the region. The team also facilitates the equalization process for all academic and non–academic degrees from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities.
Hala H. Elsaid
University Counselor
Hala H. Elsaid, a distinguished economist and academic, currently serves as the Economic Advisor to the President of Egypt, a role she assumed in July 2024. This follows her tenure as Minister of Planning and Economic Development from December 2019 to June 2024, and Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform from February 2017 to December 2019. Her excellence in leadership was recognized when she was named the Best Arab Minister by the Arab Government Excellence Award in November 2020.
Elsaid established Egypt's first sovereign wealth fund and served as its founding chairperson, an important achievement that significantly contributed to the country's economic development and investment strategy. She led the implementation of the National Sustainable Development Strategy (Egypt Vision 2030) and initiated the National Structural Reform Program in 2021, focusing on the real side of the economy and the efficiency of the labor market.
In the banking sector, Elsaid served on the Central Bank's Board of Directors and as Executive Director of the Egyptian Banking Institute. She has also been an advisor to the Central Bank Governor and held positions on various financial boards. Currently, she serves as a non-executive board member of Société Arabe Internationale de Banque.
In recognition of her commitment to social responsibility and community development, Elsaid serves as a member of the board of trustees of both the Magdi Yacoub Foundation and Ahl Masr Foundation, contributing to vital healthcare initiatives and community welfare programs.
Elsaid earned her PhD in economics with highest honors from Cairo University in 1989. She became the first elected dean of the faculty of economics and political science in 2011 and served as Cairo
University's assistant president for scientific research and exterior relations from 2013 to 2016.
Meet the Team
Ghada Fawzy
Director, Egyptian Government Relations
Fawzy works closely with the University Counselor as the primary strategic liaison with the Egyptian government and universities to perform special assignments. Her responsibilities also include overseeing and facilitating all activities, logistics, and communications between key governmental officials, ministries, university presidents and AUC senior administration. She also manages the operation and coordinates the execution of the Office of the Counselor’s overall vision.
Email: [email protected]
Ext: 2244
Hussein Sayed
Officer, Administration and Governmental Relations
Sayed deals directly with all schools, departments, offices and faculty members, answering their queries and helping them navigate any difficulties or problems they may have. Sayed handles the daily financial transactions. His responsibilities also include correspondence with the government, educational entities, secondment to AUC of part and full-time professors from their home institutions and the Supreme Council of Universities.
Email: [email protected]
Ext: 2243
Shereef El Tanahi
Senior Specialist, Governmental Relations
El Tanahi assists with all the administrative tasks related to the Office of the Counselor. His responsibilities include preparing reports, advising on issues related to meetings with the counselor and providing advice and support on events with government participation. He also serves as a liaison to University administrators and effective communication with campus-wide staff, faculty, and students.
Email: [email protected]
Ext: 2247