Welcome to
American Turkish Friendship Council
We are honored to have on our Board of Trustees a diverse group of outstanding people who support the objectives of the American Turkish Friendship Council.
OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN DoÄŸan EroÄŸlu, Ph.D.
Dr. DoÄŸan EroÄŸlu has served ATFC for many years as its President and as the Chairman. DoÄŸan recently retired from CDC after a 25 year career as Behavioral Scientist, and Associate Director for Communication Science. Previously, he was on the faculty of the College of Business at Georgia State University. DoÄŸan and his family have lived in Atlanta for the last 34 years.
PRESIDENT Özben Ä°yigün Yet
Ozben's professional background is in human resources, having held several HR leadership roles within Turkiye's hi-tech industry. Currently, she is spearheading the launch of their startup company of restaurant franchise operator with her husband. Ozben earned her BA in Psychology from Bogazici University and completed her Executive MBA at Emory University Goizueta Business School. She has been serving on the ATFC board and has been a member since 2010.
VICE PRESIDENT Saba ÇolakoÄŸlu, Ph.D.
Dr. Saba ÇolakoÄŸlu is a Senior Lecturer in the Organizational Behavior group at the Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her B.Sc. degree in Psychology from Middle East Technical University, her MBA from Bilkent University, and her PhD from Rutgers University. Her teaching and research is focused on managing people globally and in multinational companies. Saba is also serving as the President of Women in the Academy of International Business.
TREASURER Ela Sevuk Cubukcu
Ela Cubukcu is an accomplished senior executive with decades of CFO and CEO experience in multiple industries. Throughout her executive career, Ela has worked for Arthur Andersen, Visa, Diageo, Tyco, Brightstar, Samsonite, and Padsplit. Currently Ela ise delivering financial business processes outsourcing services through her own company Costbuster, headquartered in Atlanta. She has her B.Sc. degree in Economics from the Middle East Technical University
SECRETARY Esra Mirze Santesso, Ph.D.
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Dr. Esra Mirze Santesso is Associate Professor of English at the University of Georgia. She received her B.A. from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, and her PhD from the University of Nevada. She specializes in postcolonial theory and literature with an emphasis on Muslim identity, diasporic and immigrant experiences, and human rights narratives. She is a member of the Athens Culture and Arts Commission.
EMERITUS
Former Chairman Emeritus
The Honorable Mona Diamond Sunshine, Turkish Honorary Consul General for Georgia, Atlanta
President Emeritus
Ahmet C. Bozer served as an Executive Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company until his retirement in March 2016 serving as the President of Coca-Cola International since January 1, 2013.
President Emeritus
Esat Sezer served as SVP & CIO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. and Corporate VP & CIO of Whirlpool Co. Founder and Chairman of Ritmus AS.
President Emeritus
Akgun Seckiner is the Co-Owner of the BOCCHI-Sanikey Group and Managing Partner of BOCCHI USA Inc and Bocchi UK LLC. He also serves the GA State University's Alumni Association and Center for International Business Education Advisory Board
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The American Turkish Friendship Council's is a Non-profit, social organization and mission is to promote education, trade and cultural understanding between the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey.