Francois is a California-based Orthopedic Surgeon who received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine in 1975 and has over 50 years of medical experience. He has devoted much of his life to promoting the prosperity of Armenia, having previously founded his own non-profit, Bay Area Friends of Armenia (BAFA), as a humanitarian response to the aftermath of Armenia’s earthquake and the liberation struggle in Artsakh. BAFA took a hands-on approach to mitigating the blockade of the Third Republic of Armenia by developing and implementing health, education, and welfare initiatives, primarily benefiting rural regions of Armenia. BAFA also addressed the country's various and evolving needs through the support of its many loyal and generous donors.