 ATAA is a fast-growing umbrella organization of Turkish American associations throughout the United States, Canada and Turkey, dedicated to pursuing the interests of Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey in Washington and beyond.
ATAA was co-founded by the American Turkish Association of Washington and the Maryland American Turkish Association in an effort to create a national organization representing the Turkish American community.
The first meeting of the ATAA General Assembly was held in May of 1980 in Washington. Delegates from 26 organizations participated and created a coordination committee to write the constitution and bylaws. The bylaws of ATAA were ratified on November 16, 1980 and the first board of ATAA was elected.
From this nucleus, the Assembly has grown into an organization that represents 62 Turkish American organizations in the United States, Canada and Turkey.
Today, the Assembly is an influential and fast growing civic organization that pursues the interests of Turkish Americans and friends of Turkey in Washington and beyond, as well as contributes to the strengthening of relations between the United States and Turkey.
A growing base of individual ATAA members support the work of the Assembly through dues and donations. Financial assistance to the operations of ATAA is also granted from the ATAA Endowment Fund, established to secure the long-term growth of the organization.
To fulfill its mission and objectives, ATAA undertakes a number of activities, such as educational seminars for Turkish American communities on grassroots advocacy and civic leadership; conferences on contemporary political, social and economic issues related to Turkey and US Turkish relations; and cultural events to promote Turkey’s rich traditions, art and heritage.
Working as an information clearinghouse, ATAA regularly publishes reference material on issues that concern the Turkish American community. The Assembly is also the publisher of a quarterly magazine, The Turkish American.
ATAA hosts one of the most dynamic websites on Turkey and maintains and extensive e-mail communication network.
ATAA is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization.
 Nurten Ural
President
president@ataa.org
Nurten Ural will be the President of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations from November 12th, 2006 until 2008. Ms. Ural is also the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Turkey, Detroit, Michigan. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Environment and Design and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design and Human Shelter for the Special Needy-both from Michigan State University. Ural is the owner of Ural Interiors, Inc., an interior design firm in Farmington Hills, MI. She is also the owner of Ural Properties. She has received many awards for her business accomplishments and community service work including the Athena Award, Business Accomplishment Award, and the Republican of the Year Award. Ural now serves on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Institute of Arts, and served on the Board of Directors of two Chambers of Commerce, serving as Secretary, Vice Chair and Chair on one of them. She has also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Professional Women’s Round Table, Historic Homes, the Republican Club, and on the Board of the Farmington Area Homeowners Association. Ural served as the Treasurer, President, and Trustee of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan, as well as ATAA President-Elect and as Vice-President of the Midcentral Region.
 Günay Evinch
President Elect
presidentelect@ataa.org
Second generation Turkish American, born in Chicago, raised in San Francisco, living and working in Washington, DC where ATAA is headquartered. ATAA: Capital Region VP (2004-present), including Renewal Program, Public Outreach Program, Anti-Defamation Committee; Secretary General (1998-2000). Author, Turkish Times “Sports News” (1993-98). Education: U.S. Fulbright Scholar, International Law and the Armenian Tragedy, Ankara U. (1991-93); J.D., W&L University, VA (1991); W&L Lee Grant (1989-91); Double B.A. Economics and Public Service, UC, Davis (1986); UC Regents Outstanding Seniors (1986); EU Legal Studies, U. of Madrid (1989).Research:www.TurkishLawProject.org, www.EthnicTerror.org. Public Speaking: Georgetown U. (Turkish American Integration), GWU (PKK), JHU (Turkey&Iraq), TOBB, Ankara (North Cyprus), Fulbright EU-NATO Conference, Brussels (Turkish Accession). Profession: Lawyer, Saltzman&Evinch (1993-present)(www.Turklaw.Net) NGOs, corps., commercial transactions, int.finance, anti-terror, treaties, litigation.
 Oya Bain
Secretary General
secretary@ataa.org
Oya Bain is a graduate of American College for Girls -currently Robert College- of Istanbul. She came to the United States as a Fulbright scholar to do post graduate work in Biochemistry. In her professional career she has worked as a clinical chemist and laboratory director in the Clinical Pathology laboratories of several medical centers in Canada and U.S. In 1999 she retired from her position as the Director of Department of Laboratory Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital. Oya Bain has been involved in the Turkish American community since 1970. As the board member of American Turkish Association of Washington DC (ATA-DC), she held positions, at various times, as the chair of ATA-DC Membership, Lecture and Turkish Radio committees and ATA News editor. She was the Capitol Region Vice President and Secretary of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations in the 1990s and chaired the 1992 ATAA Turkish Heritage Month activities. She served on the boards of Atatürk Society of America and Maryland American Turkish Association. Currently she is on the boards of ATA-DC and Washington Turkish Women’s Association. She is also a member of The Hospitality and Information Service (THIS) in Washington DC, a service organization for the diplomatic community. She received numerous awards from ATA-DC, American Turkish Council and ATAA. In November 2005, she received the ATAA Turkish American of the Year award. Oya Bain lives in Bethesda, MD with her husband Ralph Bain, a chemist and educator, retired from the National Institutes of Health. They have one daughter, Tuvana, a physician in New York. Oya Bain strongly believes that the Turkish Americans need to be better informed and be active in the American political and civic organizations. She promotes programs and projects to educate and empower the Turkish American community in the political areas and grassroots activities.
 Korkut Onal
Treasurer
treasurer@ataa.org
Korkut Onal is a graduate of Loyola College-Baltimore, Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1977. Since then he attended numerous professional education seminars and classes. Mr. Onal has been in the fields of finance and business for the last 27 years. After graduation he worked for Sun Life of America and rose to the rank of manager. In 1980 he left the company to start a series of businesses of his own. Since 1980 he has been the President and CEO of Onal & Associates, Inc., an insurance agency specializing in life, health, property and casualty insurance. In 1987 he founded Associated Premium Finance, a company specializing in financing insurance premiums for agency clients. He sold this company in 1994. Mr. Onal is also the founder and President of ZBest Limousine Services, Inc., a company with 53 vehicles operating in the field of limousine and corporate transportation. He is a licensed Insurance Broker and a member of Independent Insurance Agents of America. He served as the President of Independent Insurance Agents of Anne Arundel County between 2000 and 2004. Korkut Onal has been very active in Turkish American community as well as his local community, serving on the Boards of Chamber of Commerce, local schools, and Baltimore Washington Medical Center. He served as the President of Maryland Turkish American Association (MATA) for three years, as the Regional Vice President of ATAA for 2 years and as the Treasurer of ATAA in early 1990’s. He is currently the Treasurer of ATAA, appointed to the position by the Board of Directors to serve until this election. Mr. Onal presently resides in Maryland.
 Vural Cengiz
Past President
pastpresident@ataa.org
Vural Cengiz has been the president of ATAA since December, 2004. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance from Ankara University’s School of Political Sciences (SBF), a Master of Arts degree in Economics and a MBA from State University of West Georgia. He was a member of the teaching staff of Ankara University and Cukurova University from 1980 to 1986. He has been in the US since 1986 and served Turkish-American community in several organizations. He helped 130 Bosnian families to settle in Atlanta area working together with World Relief and International Resque Committee. He received volunteer of year awards from IRC and Save the Children. Cengiz was the president of Georgia Turkish American Cultural Association between 1994 and 1996. He received High Service Award of TACA in 1998, in national level, Cengiz has been serving as a volunteer in ATAA since 1996. He was a VP for Southeastern region, Treasurer, President-Elect and President. He received Meritorius Service Award of ATAA in 1996, and Distinguished Service Award of ATAA in 1998. Cengiz is currently residing in Florida and has a business for Real Estate and Securities Investments. He is married to Sabina Cengiz.
 Ece Altay-Orhun
V.P. Capital Region
vpcapital@ataa.org
Ece Altay-Orhun was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She earned her B.A. degree in Political Science and International Relations from Bogazici University in Istanbul and M.B.A. degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Ece has a background in Management Consulting giving strategic advice to Fortune 500 clients across multiple functions and industries. She worked as a Consultant for Kaiser Associates and Siemens, and currently holds the Director, Marketing and Business Development position at Gate Gourmet International. She is fluent in Turkish, English and German, and has a basic knowledge of French and Italian. Ece has been an active member of ATAA and involved with its programs and initiatives since 1998.
 Hatice Dinç
V.P. Midwestern Region
vpmidwestern@ataa.org
Hatice Dinc studied Computer Science and Math at Southwest Missouri State University where she also pursued a minor degree in French Language and Literature. While she was attending school in Springfield, Missouri, she was also working for a non-profit consultant firm as a Director of Research of Grants and Foundations. Hatice has been living in Chicago since 1994 where she has been involved in promoting the Turkish heritage and culture through organizing and participating on various events whether they are through TACA and/or other organizations in the Chicagoland. She completed a Philosophy of Communications degree from Northwester University in 1999. She is currently a Human Resources Manager in the wireless division of Sprint. While at Sprint, she has been heavily involved with the Community Relations Team, a corporate-wide community service effort. She has also worked as a volunteer for several not-for-profit organizations such as Business Volunteers for the Arts (Chicago), Wilson's Creek Battlefield Foundation (Springfield), Good Samaritan Boys Town (Springfield), Dickerson Park Zoo (Springfield), Juanita K. Hammons Performing Arts Center (Springfield). Hatice brings a wealth of knowledge on organizing fundraising campaigns and special events for not-for-profit organizations. She is fully committed to the Turkish Community in this region and will show her commitment through her continued work as the President.
 Tomris Azeri
V.P. New York Region
vpnymetropolitan@ataa.org
President of the Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA). Driving force in many of the organizations' initiatives, programs and special events which have fostered a greater understanding and appreciation of the people and country of Azerbaijan by the people and legislators of the United States. Initiated successful ASA programs such as coordinating legislative informational luncheons for Congressional members and staff in Washington, DC; the raising of the Azerbaijani flag on Wall Street in New York in celebration of Azerbaijan's Independence Day; representing the Azerbaijani community to Mayor Bloomberg's Office of Immigrant Affairs in planning for the future of NYC; coordinating the sister city arrangements connecting Ganja, Azerbaijan with Newark, New Jersey; instituting and overseeing scholarship programs for Azerbaijani students studying in US; coordinating and presenting a variety of cultural activities for the Azerbaijani and American communities; involving ASA in support of the Turkish Day parade; and overseeing annual Azerbaijani celebrations in the U.S. Works closely with the Turkish-American community in all of these and other activities. Regular participant in a variety of Turkish - Azerbaijani initiatives, including most recently the Turkish- Azerbaijani Forum which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan in March, 2007. Recipient of the Order of Glory medal, Azerbaijan's highest award, which was presented by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in March 2006.
 Atilla Soran
V.P. North Central Region
vpnorthcentral@ataa.org
Dr. Atilla Soran is a Professor of Surgery. A recipient of more than 12 scientific awards, Dr. Soran had his work published in over a hundred scientific publications. After working as a faculty in the Medicine University of Ankara, Turkey in 1989, he continued his works at the Numune Teaching and Research Hospital between the years 1990 and 1994. Prior to receiving The Best Physician and Academician of Turkey Award in 2004, he was a fellow in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between the years 1997 and 1999. He has been serving for the Pittsburgh Turkish American Association as the president since 2002 and vice president for the ATAA since 2005. Atilla Soran strongly believes that the Turkish Americans need better networking and be active in the non-governmental organizations. He initiated a project entitled "who is who in Turkish Americans" He actively works in the projects related to Turkey to educate teachers in PA and he also started a project to educate public in the subject of what happened in 1915.
 Ferhan Gömülü
V.P. Northeastern Region
vpnortheastern@ataa.org
Ferhan Gömülü was born in Istanbul. She holds a B.S. degree in Public Administration and Political Science from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara; and an M.A. in Economics from Northeastern University, Boston. She started her professional career as a Career Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey. She worked in IBM Turkey for seven years as the Special Bids Representative. Currently, she works at Harvard University in the field of Information Technology and Communications and also continues her studies on Ph.D. dissertation on the Internet Law and Public Policy. She came to the U.S. in 1991 and has been actively involved in the issues of the Turkish American community ever since. She has served as the Executive Board member and Secretary General of the Turkish American Cultural Society of New England since 1996. She is a public advocate of the Turkish community in the area and has led and took part in organizing numerous projects and events to promote Turkey and Turkish culture, including the Boston Turkish Arts and Culture Festival and the Boston Turkish Film Festival. She is among the recipients of the "Women of Distinction Award" by the Daughters of Atatürk (2001). Currently the ATAA Vice President for Northeastern Region, she has been actively involved in ATAA and its projects in the region since 1999.
 Can Mahmut Guralp
V.P. Southeastern Region
vpsoutheastern@ataa.org
Born in Palo Alto, California. Lived in Ankara and attended T.E.D Ankara Koleji elementary through high school. College degrees in Electrical Engineering from University of California in Berkley (1969) and San Jose (1971). After living and working in England and Belgium for 6 years, returned to the U.S. in 1980. Retired since 2006; currently working on a book project on “Justice and Fidelity”. Has previous engineering experience working for ITT Telecom, Alcatel and Tekelec. Founding group member and first president of ATA-NC in 1987, co-founder of TAFIP, and co-founder of Bridge to Turkey Fund. Has organized the Book Club and TurkFilmReview groups for the ATA-NC community. Volunteers for ATAA Peace in the World initiative. Active supporter of İlkyar organization (www.ilkyar.org.tr) for the education of Yatılı İlkőgretim Bőlge Okulları (YİBO) students in Türkiye. Advocate of self-sufficiency, self-reliance and self-knowledge. Believes in service to humanity as the way for individuals to gain self respect and dignity.
 Ertuğrul Turhal
V.P. Western Region
vpwestern@ataa.org
Ertuğrul Turhal was born in Eskisehir, Turkey in 1958. He graduated from Air Force Academy as an Aeronautical Engineer. He completed his MS degree in Aeronautical Engineering at AF Institute of Technology in Dayton, OH. He also has Business Administration Degree from the Anatolian University. For more than twenty years, he worked as an engineer in various aviation maintenance and aircraft production facilities in the U.S. and Turkey. He retired from TUAF as a Colonel. Since 2001, he has been working as the vice president in an international aviation spare and repair services company. Ertugrul Turhal served as VP in Turkish Scouting association while in Turkey, and worked as a volunteer in Ohio and California Turkish American communities. He is married with Birsen and has a son named "Cem", who is attending University of California, Davis, and a daughter, Ece, who is in Amador Valley High Scholl, CA. He enjoys traveling, biking, hiking, and playing tennis.
 Vacant
V.P. Northwestern Region
vpnorthwestern@ataa.org
 Dr. Coşkun Bayrak
V.P. South/Southwestern Region
vpsouthwestern@ataa.org
Dr. Coşkun Bayrak was born in 1959 in Gümüşhane. He graduated from Trabzon Lisesi. After completing his higher education in Germany, he moved to Pennsylvania in 1981 to continue his education. After receiving a BS degree from Slippery Rock University, a MS from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University in Computer Science, he began his teaching career at the University of Texas at Dallas, Benedict College in South Carolina, Troy State University in Alabama, and finally at the University of Arkansas. Currently, he is a tenured professor in the department of Computer Science. His primary research is in the intersection of software engineering component based development, data mining, and Biomedical Engineering. He also has interest in modeling and simulation, and cellular automata. Dr. Bayrak has published over sixty research articles in scientific conferences and journals, one book chapter, given tutorials at major conferences, and served on program committees for numerous international conferences and symposiums. Dr. Bayrak has a long lasting involvement in civic and cultural activities. He formed the Turkish Student Association and became its first president at Texas Tech. While working on his Ph.D. at Southern Methodist University, he established the Turkish Student Association and served as the first president. He promoted the Turkish culture and Turkey in South Carolina and Alabama. He moved to Little Rock, Arkansas(2000), where he formed the “Friends of Turkey in Arkansas (FoTiA)” organization and served as its first president. He also served as the Vice President of ATAA for the Southwestern Region. Dr. Bayrak is married to Işıl and has two daughters, Sinehan and Ecehan.
 Alp Berker
V.P. Mid Central Region
VPmidcentral@ataa.org
Alp Berker was born in Hull, Canada in 1966. After living in Canada, the U.S.A and Turkey his family settled in Indiana in 1983. He attended Purdue University and received a degree in Computer Technology in 1991 and a Masters in Sociology in 1998 from the University of Indianapolis. He currently works as an IT contractor for the US Federal Government in Indianapolis. He has served in ATA-IN (American Turkish Association of Indiana) in various capacities, Treasurer in 2003 and has been the Vice-President since 2004. He is married with three children.
Ayla Bakkalli, Executive Director (e-mail)
Allison Block, Advocacy Director (e-mail)
Hakan Dakin, Art Director (e-mail)
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