Board of Directors

PRESIDENT

Assoc. Prof. Mehmet DİNÇ

He graduated from Marmara University with a degree in Psychological Counseling and Guidance. He holds master’s degrees in Education from RMIT University, Clinical Psychology from Okan University, and Narrative Therapy from the University of Melbourne. He completed his doctorate in Internet Addiction at Marmara University and spent a year as a visiting academic at the University of Melbourne. Currently, he is a Faculty Member in the Psychology Department at Hasan Kalyoncu University and serves as a Board Member of the Dulwich Centre International Faculty. His research interests include Digital Addictions, Psychological Resilience and Narrative Therapy. He is married with two children.

SECRETARY GENERAL

Yasin EROL

Yasin Erol was born in Bilecik in 1978 and completed his primary and secondary education in Kütahya and Sakarya. He pursued his undergraduate studies (English) in International Relations at Sakarya University, where he wrote a thesis on "Continental Shelves in International Waters."
 
In 2003, Erol moved to the United Kingdom to explore research, development and entrepreneurship opportunities. During his time there, he successively held various positions across different sectors, including Branch Manager, Import-Export Manager, Finance Director and General Manager.
 
Alongside his professional roles, Erol engaged in research and studies in the United Kingdom, focusing on Technology Transfer Offices and University-Industry collaborations. From 2013 to 2014, he served as Deputy General Manager at Istanbul Technical University Arı Teknokent Inc. while also working as the General Coordinator of İTÜ Nova Technology Transfer Office Inc. in Türkiye.
 
From 2015 to 2022, Erol was the General Manager of Istanbul University and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Technopark. In 2022, he was appointed General Manager/CEO of the Istanbul Finance and Technology Base (FintechZone) Technopark at the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Finance Office, a role he continues to hold. He is fluent in English and Arabic.

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Doruk MALHAN

Doruk Malhan, a 1993 graduate of FMV Işık High School, holds both his undergraduate and master's degrees in Sociology from Boğaziçi University. His education has provided him with valuable leadership skills and a strategic mindset, enabling him to address global challenges and contribute to the growth of Koleksiyon Furniture. With a broad worldview cultivated during his studies, Malhan has developed effective roadmaps to enhance the company's success on a global scale. To further strengthen his ability to meet organizational goals, he earned a certification in Negotiation Techniques from Harvard Law School, sharpening his communication, problem-solving, and strategic negotiation skills. As a second-generation leader of Koleksiyon Furniture, celebrating its 50th anniversary by combining high quality with innovative design, Malhan plays a crucial role in the company’s organic growth through key investments. Sustainability is at the forefront of his agenda, and he has been committed to driving investments in this area. With a focus on environmental, social, and governancem (ESG) practices, he actively works toward achieving the company’s sustainability objectives. Malhan values empathy, ethical principles, and a sustainability-focused leadership approach, complementing his extensive knowledge and commitment to progress in sustainability goals.

VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Mehmet GÜLLÜOĞLU

Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu was born in Konya in 1982. Following the completion of his medical degree at Marmara University, he embarked on his career as a physician. His professional journey involves comprehensive training programs in humanitarian aid, health assistance and EU projects, as well as voluntary service as a doctor in multiple countries, collaborating with various non-governmental organizations on humanitarian initiatives.

Dr. Güllüoğlu has held managerial roles at the “Yeryüzü Doktorları” Association and the Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. He also completed his Ph.D. in Public Health at Istanbul University, Faculty of Medicine.

In 2013, he assumed the position of General Director of the Turkish Red Crescent, and in 2017, he took on the responsibilities of the Presidency of the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) under the Ministry of Interior. Concurrently, Dr. Güllüoğlu served as a member of the Presidential Social Policies Council.

Since March 2021, Dr. Güllüoğlu has been serving as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tanzania. He is married with four children and is proficient in English.

VICE PRESIDENT

Sümeyye CEYLAN

Sümeyye Ceylan graduated from the University of Vienna with a degree in Mathematics. She also holds a master's degree in "Fast Fourier Transform" and another in pedagogy from the same university. Additionally, she received astronomy training at the Vienna Kuffner Observatory and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Philosophy at Istanbul Medeniyet University.

As a program development expert and experience designer, Ceylan has led the design processes for numerous national and international educational programs, such as the Amateur Astronomy Education Program, Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Training Program, Forest Explorers Nature Science Program, Change Before Climate Changes Education Program, and Smart Agriculture Workshops Education Program. She has also designed experiences for various planetariums, science centers, and exhibitions.  

Ceylan continues to manage educational program design processes, scientific experience design, scientific curation, and game design. She is dedicated to transforming the educational system by developing child-friendly, play and imagination-based methodologies, along with creating educational content, games, materials, spaces, scientific exhibitions, and science centers.
Believing in the healing and transformative power of civil society, Ceylan founded and chairs the Education for All Children Foundation. She also provides consultancy services to various educational institutions, public organizations, and private companies. Sümeyye Ceylan is married with two children.

VICE PRESIDENT

Prof. Muhammed Tayyib KADAK

He graduated from Marmara University Faculty of Medicine in 2005. He completed his residency at Istanbul University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 2006 to 2011. He fulfilled his mandatory service at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 2011 to 2013. He was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2017. His research focuses on autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as temperament, emotional development, and social cognition in children and adolescents. As of 2013, he has been conducting his studies at Istanbul University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is married and has a daughter.

VICE SECRETARY GENERAL

Ülkenur BÜKE

Ülkenur Büke was born in Trabzon in 1973. Throughout her career, she has worked at Parlak Güç Elektronik and Sosan Yağ Sanayi and has actively participated in various NGOs. She served as President of the Genç Yurt Sports Club and held an administrative role in the Women’s Branch of the Trabzon Federation of Associations. In the 2019 local elections, she was elected as a Council Member of Silivri Municipality representing the Justice and Development Party (AKP). Currently, she is Vice Secretary General of Green Crescent. She is married with two children.

VICE SECRETARY GENERAL

Prof. Murat ŞENTÜRK

Prof. Murat Şentürk was born in Üsküdar, Istanbul in 1982 and hails from Bayburt. He graduated from the Faculty of Communication at Istanbul University in 2004. He earned a master's degree in Sociology from Istanbul University Faculty of Letters in 2008, with a thesis titled "Life Strategies of the Indigent: The Districts of Küçük Mustafa Paşa and Balat (Istanbul) as Cases in Point", and a Ph.D. in 2011 with a dissertation on "Urban Intervention in the city of Istanbul".

In 2013, Prof. Şentürk was a Visiting Scholar at the City University of New York Graduate Center  (Center for Place, Culture and Politics). During the 2022-2023 academic year, he served as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Sydney the School of Geosciences, where he conducted a TÜBİTAK-supported project titled "Creating Inclusive and Resilient Communities in the City by Volunteering".

Currently, Prof. Şentürk is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Istanbul University Faculty of Letters. He also holds several administrative roles: Director of the Istanbul University Green Crescent Addiction Research and Application Center, Deputy Director of the Center for Sociological Research, Coordinator of the Urban Studies Master’s Program, Coordinator of the NGO and Social Responsibility Management Non-Thesis Master’s Program, and Co-Founder and Director of the Volunteering Academy.

His research interests encompass urban interventions and policies, the sociology of space, new media and digital culture, civil society and volunteerism, and the sociology of family and aging. He actively supports various NGOs and civil initiatives in the field of volunteering and continues his efforts with the 65+ Elder Rights Association.

In 2021, Prof. Şentürk was honored with the TÜBA-GEBİP Outstanding Young Scientists Award. His research projects receive support from TÜBA, TÜBİTAK, the European Union and other organizations. He is the editor of the book "Volunteering and Working with Volunteers" and the lead researcher of the Türkiye  Volunteering Research. His current research focuses on the relationship between local governments and volunteering.

ACCOUNTANT

Çetin DÖNMEZ

Çetin Dönmez was born in Erzincan in 1965. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in Public Administration from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Marmara University. Since 1995, he has been working as an independent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in his own practice. He is a founding partner and auditor of Aksis Independent Audit Inc. Dönmez also serves as the General Treasurer of the Turkish Green Crescent Society. He is married with three children.

VICE ACCOUNTANT

Dr. Şeyma HALAÇ

Dr. Şeyma Halaç was born in Sivas in 1995 and graduated from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. She has held various positions at Eyüpsultan District Health Directorate and the R&D and Projects Unit of Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate. Currently pursuing a doctoral program in Public Health Sciences at Health Sciences University, Dr. Halaç has served as the District Health Director of Eyüpsultan since April 2022. Her interests lie prominently in the roles of pharmacists in public health, community-oriented health and the social determinants of health.

TREASURER

Av. Mustafa Çağrı SOYER

Mustafa Çağrı Soyer was born in Nevşehir in 1991 and has roots in Kayseri. Following the completion of his primary and secondary education in Nevşehir and Kayseri, he enrolled in the Faculty of Letters at Istanbul University. Later, he transferred to the Faculty of Law at Istanbul University, graduating with honors and achieving top marks in Türkiye. Since graduation, he has practiced as an independent lawyer, running his own law and consultancy office in Istanbul. Additionally, he has actively volunteered with various charitable and civil society organizations. He is married.

BOARD MEMBER

Fahriye Gaye SOMUNCU YILMAZ

Fahriye Gaye Somuncu Yılmaz graduated from Bilkent University with a degree in International Relations. She began her career at Turkish Airlines, initially working in the International Relations and Agreements Department, before advancing to roles as Public Relations Manager and Customer Relations Manager. She also served as Client Director at Saydam PR Agency and later managed Corporate Communications at Çalık Holding.

Following her involvement in establishing the NUN Foundation and serving as a board member, Gaye Yılmaz’s passion for chocolate led her to pursue further education in the field. She completed Artisan Chocolate training at Women’s Chocolate Art Academy and Le Cordon Bleu, which eventually led to the founding of Atölye Feride Artisan Chocolate Company.

BOARD MEMBER

Samet KOCA

Samet Koca was born in Eskişehir and completed his primary education at Melahat Ünügür Primary School, followed by Eskişehir Anatolian High School. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Yıldız Technical University and later earned a master’s degree in Financial Economics from Marmara University.

Koca has been involved in business development for international firms since 2013. In 2017, he launched his own initiatives, collaborating on significant projects with Türkiye’s top 100 companies. By 2021, he established another firm, expanding his portfolio to include international companies. His domestic enterprise continues to provide local production, project management and contracting services in the industrial and engineering sectors.
Koca serves on the boardsof the Green Crescent and the Turkish Chess Federation. He is also the Vice President of the Turkish Youth NGOs Platform (TGSP) Board of Directors. Proficient in English, Koca is passionate about music, sports and the arts.

SUBSITUTE BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Hüseyin Hayri NUROĞLU

Dr. Hüseyin Hayri Nuroğlu was born in Trabzon. Following the completion of his primary and secondary education, he pursued his undergraduate studies in Istanbul and later in Vienna. He earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and began his doctoral studies at the University of Vienna. Upon returning to Türkiye, he completed his Ph.D. at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.
Dr. Nuroğlu started his academic career as a research assistant at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) and is now an assistant professor in the Department of Business Administration at the Turkish-German University. His academic research has included collaborations with University of Münster and Hohenheim in Germany and Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.
Dr. Nuroğlu is married with three children and is actively involved as a scout leader and a member of the Turkish Scouting and Guiding Federation's Search and Rescue Team (TİFAKE). In his free time, he enjoys camping, mountain hiking and exploring new destinations.

SUBSITUTE BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Ayşe Sena SEZGİN

Dr. Ayşe Sena Sezgin graduated with honors in Psychology from Istanbul Bilgi University in 2008. She completed her master’s degree under the supervision of Prof. Öget Öktem-Tanör, focusing on executive functions and willpower. She then pursued her Ph.D., supervised by Prof. Sevim Cesur at Istanbul University, centered on "Parental Perception of Having a Gifted Child: Labeling.”

In 2015, Dr. Sezgin participated as a co-researcher in the "The Role of Educational Process in Self-Regulated Learning" project at the University of Cambridge, where she investigated the functionality and cultural adaptability of self-regulation, children's behavioral strategies and motivational factors.

Dr. Sezgin was instrumental in the establishment of the Psychology Department at Marmara University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, where she currently serves as a faculty member and Chair of the Social Psychology Department.

Beyond her academic career, Dr. Sezgin has made significant contributions in the field. Since 2006, she has worked as a mentor and psychologist at Kalem Foundation Schools. Currently, she holds several leadership roles, including Board Member, Supervisor, and Psychologist at Kalem Foundation Schools. Additionally, she serves on the publication, management, and coordination boards of the Kalem Education and Human Sciences Journal, Kalem Foundation Publications, and Kalem Academy Teacher Training Institute, where she is a scientific editor.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sezgin has actively engaged in social responsibility projects through university clubs and civil society organizations. She has participated in numerous national and international academic and official projects, and has organized various academic, cultural, and educational events, both domestically and abroad. Dr. Sezgin has been a member of the Turkish Psychological Association since 2008.

Her primary research interests include perceptions and policies regarding giftedness, labeling, narcissism culture, school psychology, organizational psychology, parenting, cognition, willpower, and executive functions.

SUBSITUTE BOARD MEMBER

Hasan Siret ALBAYRAK

Hasan Siret Albayrak was born in Samsun in 1981 and hails from Trabzon. He completed his secondary and high school education at Kartal Anadolu İmam Hatip High School and then earned a degree in Business Administration (English) from Kadir Has University. Albayrak started his professional career in 2005, trading paper and printing materials. Since 2017, he has been actively engaged in the food industry as a co-founder and manager of Alvede Yapı Gıda Sanayi Ticaret Inc. In 2021, he joined the Turkish Muaythai Federation's management and currently serves as Vice President. He is married with two children.

SUBSITUTE BOARD MEMBER

Neslihan KARAGÖZ

Neslihan Karagöz was born in 1983 and completed her secondary education at Üsküdar İmam Hatip High School. She earned a degree in Media and Communication from Anadolu University and graduated top of her class in Graphic Design from Beykent University.

SUBSITUTE BOARD MEMBER

Fatih KIŞLA

Fatih Kışla was born in Istanbul in 1985. He graduated from Istanbul Kültür University with a degree in Communication Arts in 2008. He earned a master's degree in Production Management and Marketing from Marmara University in 2010. Since 2008, he has held various roles in the communication and media sectors. From 2014 to 2021, he worked at TRT, serving in positions at the news center, TRT's London office, as an advisor to the Chairman and as the Director of the Training and Research Department. From 2022 to 2024, he was the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Istanbul Financial Center. He is currently the Director of Corporate Communications at the Türkiye Wealth Fund (TWF). Fatih Kışla is married with two children.