Tarlan Ahmadov is the Director of ONA, bringing over two decades of experience in public service, workforce development, and refugee resettlement. In his previous role as the Director of the Division of Programs at the Bureau of Employment Services within the Maine Department of Labor, Ahmadov administered statewide employment and training programs designed to empower individuals and strengthen the workforce across Maine. 

Prior to joining the Maine Department of Labor, he served as the State Refugee Coordinator overseeing the Office of Maine Refugee Services for Catholic Charities of Maine from 2017 to 2022. In that role, he administered Federal services to asylees and refugees, including employment, skills training, health care, and social services Ahmadov initially joined Catholic Charities in 2003 as a volunteer, then progressed through various positions, also including case manager, program director, and State Refugee Coordinator. 

Originally from Azerbaijan, Ahmadov immigrated to the United States in 2003. He holds a Master’s degree in history and social sciences from Baku State University and began his career in education as a history teacher in Baku’s public school sector. Ahamdov  is also pursuing a doctoral degree in policy at the University of Southern Maine.