President and CEO
Sabeh Samaha is CEO of Samaha & Associates, Inc. A hands-on consultant, Sabeh’s motto is: Think hard. Work harder. Chase dreams, not money.
In 1998, realizing the strong demand for dependable technology consulting services, Sabeh established Samaha & Associates, Inc. Collectively, the firm has 250 years of strategic and deep tactical expertise. Samaha consultants are relentless Credit Union advocates, sharp negotiators, and masterful technology project managers. Together they have successfully completed over 500 technology and payments systems projects within the industry.
Samaha & Associates conducts complex technology projects, including core, payment systems, contract negotiations, merger conversions, technology planning, and more. Asked why he is so passionate about Credit Unions, Sabeh says: “The Credit Union movement has always inspired me to work and advocate relentlessly for their noble cause. I truly love being a part of this family, and contributing to its very best interest is a fundamental necessity for me.”
Sabeh shares his expertise by writing industry-specific white papers, conducting workshops, and is a featured speaker at regional and national Credit Union conferences. His name is frequently cited as a technology and payment systems expert in leading Credit Union publications nationwide.
In the three years preceding the formation of Samaha & Associates, Inc., Sabeh transformed the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region from the lowest into the highest growth rate for MasterCard International Debit Products. During the late eighties and into the mid-nineties, Sabeh managed the Implementations and Client Services Departments for CO-OP Network. Previous work experiences include posts at Quantum Network in Los Angeles and MidEast Data Systems, the EMEA exclusive agent of Data General and Apple Computers. For the latter, he implemented high value government and private sector projects.
After completing studies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma at the University of Greenwich at Avery Hill, U.K. in 1981, Sabeh crossed the pond and landed in California. Here he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in technology at the University of San Diego in 1985. He then completed studies in computer programming at the Computer Learning Center in Los Angeles, where he acquired a soft spot for the San Francisco 49ers. Sabeh continues his education with course study at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and UCLA.
A resident of Miami, Fla., Sabeh contributes to many charities including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, and the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation for the support of Fallen Officers’ Families. Sabeh enjoys all varieties of music. With its mix of English folk, rock, and classical, because “no one style applies to every situation,” he especially likes “pre-pop” Genesis. He also enjoys submarine movies, such as “The Hunt for Red October” and “Crimson Tide,” which offer a study of human relations in tight quarters under pressure (a perfect description of the complex technology projects, including core, payment systems, and technology planning, that Sabeh regularly and successfully executes).
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Core System Searches and Implementations
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Vendor Negotiations
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Mergers and Acquisitions
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Process Improvement and Optimization
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Revenue Optimization and Cost Reduction
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Client Advocacy
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Guidance and Thought Leadership
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Vendor Management
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Technology Planning
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High-Level Relationship Management
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Global Banking and Payment Technologies
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Veteran Sector Expertise