Past Executive Council Members

2026-2027

A young man with short dark hair and a light complexion, smiling, wearing a blue jacket and a collared shirt, with a stone wall background.

Ayham Al-Ghoul

First Parliamentarian of the Rice Economic Forum

Ayham served as the first Parliamentarian of the Rice Economic Forum, taking on the newly created office during a pivotal period in the organization's institutional development. As the inaugural holder of the role, he defined what it meant to be a guardian of REF's democratic process, giving the club's governance credibility and lasting weight from the very start.

Over the course of his tenure, Ayham oversaw two officer elections, ensuring each was conducted with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the club's governing procedures. His steady hand gave candidates and members alike confidence that every voice would be heard and every vote counted, helping REF navigate its transitions of leadership smoothly and without dispute.

Ayham also guided the organization through several constitutional amendment votes as REF refined and strengthened its founding framework. By upholding proper process at every step, he ensured that each change to the club's governing documents reflected the genuine will of its membership, and that the constitution evolved in a way that was both principled and legitimate.

Beyond his procedural duties, Ayham sought to broaden REF's presence on campus, proposing a debate event designed to foster open economic dialogue among Rice students. Although the initiative did not come to fruition during his tenure, it reflected his belief that rigorous, good-faith discussion belongs at the heart of the organization, and it helped plant the idea of debate as a natural part of REF's mission.

Throughout his service, Ayham championed a vision of REF built on integrity, impartiality, and respect for the rules that bind the organization together. As REF's first Parliamentarian, the procedural standards he set continue to guide the office and safeguard the fairness of REF's governance today.

A young man with curly dark hair, wearing a black suit with a white shirt and black tie, standing indoors in front of a warm-colored background.

Afif Chamseddine

First Auditor General of the Rice Economic Forum

Afif holds the distinction of serving as the first Auditor General of the Rice Economic Forum, a role created during the organization's founding period to promote accountability and transparency. As the inaugural holder of this office, he was part of the original leadership group that helped give REF its early shape.

Afif attended a few of the organization's early meetings, where he joined fellow officers as REF took its first steps. Following those meetings, he adopted a philosophy of profound judicial restraint, declining to intervene in the organization's affairs in any capacity. Under his tenure, not a single ruling was issued, not a single dispute was adjudicated, and REF's constitution was left entirely to speak for itself. Whether this reflected an unshakable confidence in the club's harmony or simply a full calendar elsewhere, the result was a period of uncontested peace.

While his time with REF was brief, Afif's appointment helped establish the Auditor General position as a formal part of the organization's structure, a foundation that future officers would build upon. REF thanks him for his early involvement and wishes him every success in his other endeavors.

2025-2026

Headshot of a young Asian man in a dark suit, white shirt, and navy tie, against a blue textured background.

Daiwei (David) Wang

First Vice President of the Rice Economic Forum

David served as Vice President of REF during a defining chapter in the organization's history, emerging as a driving force behind its founding and early momentum. As one of the architects who helped initiate REF, he transformed a fledgling idea into a thriving organization with real institutional presence.

Over the course of his tenure, David spearheaded two landmark General Body Meetings, rallying members and setting the strategic direction for the organization's future. He conceived and orchestrated the Careers Spotlight event, a flagship initiative that connected members with meaningful professional opportunities and quickly became a cornerstone of REF's programming.

Demonstrating exceptional initiative, David played a significant role in securing and leading a meeting with Bridgewater Associates — one of the world's premier investment firms — helping open the door to internship opportunities for REF members. Never content to rest on past wins, he also designed and proposed two ambitious new programs, the EconInsights Workshop and the Debate Series, laying the strategic groundwork for the organization's next era of growth.

Throughout his leadership, David championed a vision of REF built on careful planning, consistent communication, and member-focused programming — principles that continue to shape the organization's trajectory today.