On January 19, 2025, at the Allendale Steakhouse in Allendale, NJ, owned by the Veseli brothers, the Albanian American Civic League Board held its first meeting in 2025, where they discussed many important issues for the advancement of the interests of the Republic of Kosova and the Albanian nation in Washington, DC.

It was proposed that Agim Aliçkaj, current member of the AACL Board of Directors, be appointed to the position of Executive Director.

New situations created in the homeland and in the United States require the Civic League to become more active in the Albanian American community for the purpose of mobilizing and increasing lobbying activity in Washington. Agim’s reputation and contacts will help make the League’s activities very successful.

Agim Aliçkaj, born and raised in Deçan, Kosova, graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Zagreb.  He is the Albanian American owner of Kosovatours International, a tourist agency specializing in travel to Albanian lands.

Agim joined the AACL more than 34 years ago, when in August 1990 he and his brothers in Oslo organized a very successful trip to Norway for the Civic League’s delegation. Since then, he has made a lasting and significant contribution to the AACL’s successful role in helping the Albanian national cause in Washington with leaders of the League, legendary human rights activists Joseph DioGuardi and Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi.

For several years he has been very active in organizing events with important senators and congressmen, some at his home in Bronxville, New York. He is also very active on social media (X, FB and others). His thoughtful articles have earned him great respect in the Albanian world.

The proposal for Agim Aliçkaj to assume the position of Executive Director of the Albanian American Civic League was unanimously approved by all Board members present at the meeting.

Joe and Shirley DioGuardi will continue playing their roles as lobbyists for the Albanian American Civic League in Washington, DC.

All the best,

Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi                     Joseph J. DioGuardi
Balkan Affairs Adviser                           President