Community Foundation Marks a New Milestone in Leadership

“Today marks the completion of a succession plan that has been underway for two years. We have completed our start-up phase, built an institution with a strong endowment, raised $19 million from donors and made grants in excess of $13 million in Turkey and the United States.  I have trust in the systems and policies that we have put in place, and great confidence in our new leaders, Mustafa Kemal and İlhan and in our dedicated professional team. The time has come for me to join my dear friend, Haldun Tashman, TPF’s visionary founder and Chairman Emeritus, on our Council of Trustees in an advisory capacity.  We have paved the way for a younger team, now it is theirs to bring us to greater accomplishments” said Özlenen Eser Kalav.  She is the only CEO to serve TPF since its founding in 2007.

“It’s hard for us to imagine Özlenen Hanim in a leisurely retirement.  Her energy, ideas, and commitment are matchless and we will continue to look up to her for guidance” said, Mustafa Kemal Abadan, a founder and the incoming Chairman.  “It is an important milestone for us to have our first, non-founder CEO, and we are thrilled that İlhan has accepted the challenge. His colorful background combined with his extensive experience in mobilizing resources globally is precisely what TPF needs at this time.”

“I am truly excited to be taking on this role which I see filled with opportunities. TPF has accumulated great knowledge about the donor base as well as the needs of beneficiaries in Turkey.  By building on this knowledge, my mission is to increase our reach and visibility globally and to strengthen our grant-making in Turkey – it’s a strategy that values marketing and product-development equally.  We will continue to provide resources to already established charities in Turkey, and also start building capacity of smaller organizations. We want Turkey and our community to benefit fully from the offerings of modern day philanthropy” said İlhan Akbil, the incoming CEO. “I have big shoes to fill, and feel lucky to have the backing of a distinguished board, talented staff and loyal volunteers.”

As part of an on-going succession plan, İlhan Akbil became the President of TPF on September 2014, holding an ample amount of time to be fully prepared to transition for the chief executive officer role. Formerly, Associate Dean for Corporate Outreach and International Programs at Fordham University, İlhan Akbil brings extensive international experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations around the world.