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 Mona Diamond Sunshine
Mona Diamond Sunshine became the Turkish Honorary Consul General for the State of Georgia until 2024. In 2005, she became the Founder and Chairman of The American Turkish Friendship Council, a not for profit organization for the promotion of close relations between the United States and Turkey. Mona also sits on several Boards including the Atlantic Council, Washington D.C., Turkish Cancer Society in Turkey.
She is an honorary member of Turkish American Business Association. She has been a member of ATAA, Turkish American cultural association of Georgia for many years.
PRESIDENT Ömer Kucuk MD, FACN
Omer Kucuk, MD, is a Professor in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Kucuk came to Emory Winship from the Karmanos Cancer Center at Wayne State University in Detroit
Dr. Kucuk has more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and he is on the editorial boards of numerous publications,
Dr. Kucuk earned his medical degree at Hacettepe University Medical School in Ankara, Turkey. He conducted a residency and fellowship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, and a hematology and oncology fellowship at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. Before joining the medical staff at Wayne State University, Dr. Kucuk served as professor and researcher at the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu.
Mr. Sezer is an accomplished corporate executive with over 30 years of global Fortune 200 C-level IT experience across FMCG, manufacturing, and retail. He previously served as SVP and Global CIO at Coca-Cola Enterprises and Whirlpool, and held leadership roles at Colgate-Palmolive. He is the co-founder of Ritmus A.Ş. and serves on advisory boards for Kotler Impact Inc. and KOBIL. Originally from Istanbul, he has lived in Atlanta for many years.
Atinc Sonmezer is an entrepreneur and business executive with more than 20 years of experience in e-commerce, international trade, and business operations. He is the founder and president of MEDA Brands, a U.S.-based retail and distribution company serving customers nationwide.He brings extensive experience in strategic planning, finance, operations, and organizational growth. Through his involvement with nonprofit organizations, he is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.
SECRETARY Esra Mirze Santesso, Ph.D.
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
Chairman Emeritus
Doğan 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. Doğan and his family have lived in Atlanta for the last 34 years.
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
President Emeritus
Ozben Yet is spearheading the launch of startup company of restaurant franchise operator. She held several HR leadership roles in the past. She has been serving on the ATFC board and has been a member since 2010.
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.