The William Saroyan Society is a non-profit, public service organization, in Fresno, California, home of the Pulitzer prize-winning author and playwright, and dedicated to promoting the life, times and literary works of William Saroyan, while educating the public about the human values depicted in his writing.


  • Ben Amirkhanian, Chairman Emeritus
  • John Kallenberg, Chairman
  • LeRoy Pandukht, Vice Chairman
  • Bob Der Mugrdechian, Treasurer
  • Lydia Kuhn, Secretary
  • Ed Hagopian
  • Paul Halajian
  • Jo Ellen Misakian
  • William Secrest, Jr
  • Barbara Contreras
  • Leonard Kizirian
  • Brenda Najimian Magarity

Our Founder
Major Benjamin V. Amirkhanian, ret.
Chairman Emeritus