Press Release September 22, 2014 The American Turkish Society

Press Release
September 22, 2014
The American Turkish Society
54 West 40 Street, New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212.646.434.4409 Fax: 646.434.4405
www.americanturkishsociety.org
Contact: Marie Stewart ([email protected])
The American Turkish Society Announces Fourth Class of “Young Society Leaders”
•
•
•
Young Society Leaders (YSLs) are selected for their professional accomplishments, leadership
ability, and commitment to shape the future of U.S.-Turkish affairs.
YSLs represent the fields of business, law, science, journalism, academia, and the arts and come
from Turkey and the United States.
YSLs, with a total membership of 125, form a powerful network and participate in mentorship
activities and special projects through The American Turkish Society.
New York, NY—Monday, September 22, 2014—The American Turkish Society is pleased to announce
the fourth class of "Young Society Leaders," a group of 17 accomplished professionals from the fields of
business, law, science, academia and the arts, with a demonstrated record of leadership ability and
commitment to serve the U.S.-Turkish community at large.
“We welcome the new class of Young Society Leaders and are extremely pleased to have an opportunity
to convene and recognize these outstanding young leaders who will help inform the dialogue and ties
between our two countries,” said Murat Köprülü, Chairman of The American Turkish Society.
The “Young Society Leaders” program goal is to cultivate the next generation of leaders and to positively
impact issues that matter to the American-Turkish community at large. YSL Chairman Asli Ay, Managing
Partner of US Policy Metrics, says “The American Turkish Society provides the group with a platform to
share their leadership skills, professional expertise, academic backgrounds, and networks. YSLs are
provided with opportunities to network with mentors, to exchange ideas at peer-to-peer events, and to
present their work to The Society’s broader community of members and friends.”
This year’s Young Society Leaders include: Nevzat Aydın, Co-Founder/CEO of YemekSepeti; Elif
Bayoğlu, Sotheby’s Auction House; Umut Ergun, Attorney, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Hafize
Gaye Erkan, CIO and Co-Chief Risk Officer, First Republic Bank; Pelin Kadılar, Managing Partner,
Yönetim Geliştirme Danışmanlık Eğitim; Gün Keresteci, Treasurer, McKinsey & Company; Michael
Lally, Executive Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, International Trade
Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; Melih Ödemiş, Co-Founder & CIO, Yemek Sepeti; Pelin
Opcin, Director, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts; Ertem Osmanoğlu,
Partner/Principal, Ernst & Young; Missy Owens, The Coca-Cola Company; Ebru Özdemir, Chairperson,
Limak Investments; Ülkü Rowe, Managing Director, Risk Technology, JPMorgan; Ahu Serter,
Chairwoman of the Board, Farplas; Begüm Taft, Architect, AIA, Taft Interiors; Ayşegül Taşkent,
Documentary Filmmaker/Artist/Academician, Bahçeşehir University; Zeynep Ton, Adjunct Associate
Professor, MIT Sloan School of Management;
Tankut Turnaoğlu, General Manager/ Vice President, P&G Turkey and Caucasus; and Selen Uçak,
non-profit consultant.
Young Society Leaders are selected for a term of three years with a new class added each year.
Members are identified through a nomination process and chosen by The Society's Selection Committee,
including feedback from the inaugural class.
Founded in 1949, The American Turkish Society is the oldest American institution dedicated to enhancing
business, economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between Turkey and the United States. The Society
convenes leaders in government, business, and civil society to discuss and advance U.S.-Turkish
relations; fosters understanding and cooperation between the two countries through education, cultural
exchange, philanthropy, and networking; informs the American public about Turkey’s current affairs,
economy, history, and society; and presents and supports programs highlighting Turkish arts and culture
through its affiliate, the Moon and Stars Project. The American Turkish Society is a 501(c) (3) non-profit
organization.
###

Download Report