Federal Reserve Board Deputy Associate Director Mouneer Ahmad, '96, Honored With Distinguished Alumnus Award 
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Mouneer Ahmad, 96, is the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. (Photo: Federal Reserve Board)

Mouneer Ahmad, ’96, learned at NIU that success is built on relationships, resilience and integrity. Today, these same principles continue to guide his leadership as Deputy Associate Director at the Federal Reserve Board and as CEO of the Masna Corporation.

“I lead by example and share the moments I have failed, because rising and overcoming those failures have led to my greatest personal and professional successes,” he said.
 
Ahmad earned a B.S. in finance from NIU and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

In recognition of his distinguished career spanning consulting, public service and entrepreneurship, Ahmad has been named the NIU Alumni Association's 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient. 

Upon receiving news of this esteemed honor, Ahmad reflected on his journey, the people who shaped it, and the gratitude that accompanies such recognition.
 
“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to help strengthen companies, save American jobs, serve my country at the Fed, and launch a U.S. manufacturing firm—with a great family helping to keep me grounded and focused on our values,” he said.

“I'm deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” Ahmad continued. “It’s been a journey with its share of ups and downs, and I am grateful for my time at NIU and for the many people whose trust and support made my career possible. Thank you to the NIU Alumni Association, my classmates, colleagues, and especially my parents, Ibrahim and Magda, who encouraged me, loved me, and made my NIU education possible. And to my wife, Ashley, and children, Sara and Noah, for always supporting my dreams. Thank you all.”

At the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Ahmad works in cash (Federal Reserve notes) in the Reserve Bank’s Operations and Payment Systems Division. He supports the Banknote Design and Development and the Currency Education Programs, all in service of the Fed’s mission to protect the integrity of Federal Reserve notes. The Board collaborates with the Reserve Banks, the United States Department of the Treasury, the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the United States Secret Service to monitor counterfeiting threats for each denomination and to redesign notes to counter these threats. 

As the president and CEO of Masna Corporation, Ahmad leads a global team focused on innovating travel goods with patented, ergonomic designs that protect and enhance the travel experience. He guided the company from concept to funding, built strategic partnerships with market leaders, and is preparing to launch its debut product by year’s end. Committed to delivering real value to customers, Ahmad shaped the company’s values around innovation and integrity.

Ahmad's prior roles have spanned leadership positions in both public service and global consulting. At the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, he served as senior vice president of operations, overseeing cash, facilities, law enforcement and the Cleveland National Cash Automation Group. As executive principal, he supported Federal Reserve Financial Services through a major organizational transformation. Before his public service, Ahmad held senior positions at two premier global consulting firms—Deloitte Consulting and Ernst & Young. Among his accomplishments, he guided clients through business transformations that drove growth and delivered savings. His specialization in global finance, technology, and mergers and acquisitions allowed him to make a positive impact in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, consumer goods, financial services and technology industries. 

Although his career is marked by notable titles and achievements, Ahmad remains grounded in service and community impact. He volunteers on the Cleveland Food Bank’s Operations Committee, where he’s reminded that compassion and service are essential to a fulfilling and balanced life. Yet, no role is more meaningful to him than being a father.

“The biggest lesson I have imparted to my kids is that of resilience,” Ahmad said. “When you reach for the stars, you will not always succeed. In fact, the higher you reach, the more likely and often you will fail. The key to success is to keep getting up.” 

That lesson, Ahmad notes, was first cultivated during his time at NIU, where mentors helped shape his perspective. 

“From my first day on campus, Dick Noreen of the Honors Program challenged me to expand my interests, have fun and give back,” he said. “He created a safe space and was always there with sage advice. He’s one of the reasons I believe in mentorship.” 

Professors Ahmed Kamel Rifai, Ph.D., and Nessim Hanna, Ph.D., along with other College of Business faculty, laid the academic foundation for Ahmad’s future success. Meanwhile, campus involvement refined his social and leadership skills. 

Through the professional fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, Ahmad gained real-world marketing experience and friendships. Sigma Alpha Epsilon taught him how to grow organizations and balance relationships with responsibility, eventually leading him to serve as co-head of the Greek Council at NIU.
 

As a student in the Honors Program, Ahmad found it to be more than just an academic endeavor—it was a launchpad for overall personal growth. Living in the Honors wing of Douglas Hall provided him with a built-in community, and the program's retreat at Loredo Taft helped him establish a network of driven peers. By sophomore year, he was a counselor helping others do the same.
 
Ahmad fully embraced campus life—attending football games, leading charity drives, and growing in ways he never imagined.  

“I worked hard and lived the full Huskie experience,” he said. “Dick Noreen reminded me that life is about balance, working toward the future while living in the moment. My friends and classmates made life exciting and helped me to appreciate people from all walks of life. I loved my time at NIU.” 

But it was the life lessons Ahmad gained at NIU that truly shaped his path to success. 

“Success is about what you do, how you do it, and who you have around you,” he said. “I learned to build relationships that helped me succeed—and recognize the ones that didn’t. The right people guided me, supported me, and encouraged me when I needed it.” 

He also learned to expect the unexpected and to recognize when to ask for help.

“Nothing ever goes exactly to plan," he said. “I learned to prepare early, ask for help, and keep going when things don’t work out. The key is to keep getting up. 'Huskies Never Quit'—and with the Huskie pack by your side, you will walk forward together.”