TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - Policy, Government & Public Administration
- Written by Admin TOA
- Published in Politicians
The **Policy, Government & Public Administration** category recognizes distinguished public servants, policymakers, economists, and government leaders whose work has contributed to public policy, economic development, public administration, and international cooperation. These finalists have demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping policies, strengthening public institutions, and advancing the public interest through their service at the local, national, and international levels.
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## Aslı Demirgüç-Kunt
**Economist, Center for Global Development**
Aslı Demirgüç-Kunt is an internationally recognized economist whose work has significantly influenced global financial development, banking regulation, and economic policy. After a distinguished career at the World Bank, she joined the Center for Global Development, where she continues to conduct influential research on financial inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Her work has shaped public policy discussions around the world.
**Profile:** [https://www.cgdev.org/expert/asli-demirguc-kunt]
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## Barış Kaymak
**Economic and Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland**
Barış Kaymak serves as an Economic and Policy Advisor in the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. His research focuses on macroeconomics, labor markets, monetary policy, and economic growth. Through rigorous economic analysis, he contributes to policy discussions that support informed decision-making within one of the United States' leading Federal Reserve Banks.
**Profile:** https://www.clevelandfed.org/people/profiles/k/kaymak-baris
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## Deniz Muslu
**Director, Office of Enforcement Analysis, Bureau of Industry and Security, U.S. Department of Commerce**
Deniz Muslu serves as Director of the Office of Enforcement Analysis at the Bureau of Industry and Security within the U.S. Department of Commerce. He leads strategic efforts supporting export enforcement, national security, and international trade compliance. His leadership contributes to protecting U.S. economic and national security interests through effective policy implementation and regulatory oversight.
**Profile:** [https://www.bis.doc.gov] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dgmuslu/
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## Dr. Mehmet Oz
**Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**
Dr. Mehmet Oz serves as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), overseeing one of the largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Throughout his career as a physician, educator, author, and public servant, he has worked to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and access to quality medical services while leading national healthcare initiatives.
**Profile:** https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/who-we-are/leadership
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## M. Ayhan Köse
**Deputy Chief Economist, The World Bank Group**
M. Ayhan Köse serves as Deputy Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, where he leads global research on economic growth, international finance, and development economics. His publications and policy work have influenced governments, international organizations, and academic institutions worldwide, making him one of the leading Turkish economists in global economic policy.
**Profile:** https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/people/m/m-ayhan-kose
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## Nilsu Gören
**Deputy Team Chief, U.S. Department of State**
Nilsu Gören serves as Deputy Team Chief at the U.S. Department of State, where she contributes to U.S. foreign policy and international diplomatic initiatives. Her work supports international cooperation, strategic policy development, and diplomatic engagement while advancing the mission of the Department of State in addressing global challenges.
**Profile:** [https://www.state.gov] - https://mei.edu/person/nilsu-goren/
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## Seval Öz
**Assistant Secretary for Research, U.S. Department of Transportation**
Seval Öz serves as Assistant Secretary for Research at the U.S. Department of Transportation. A recognized technology and transportation executive, she has spent her career advancing innovation in autonomous vehicles, intelligent transportation systems, and emerging mobility technologies. Her leadership bridges public policy and technological innovation to shape the future of transportation.
**Profile:** https://www.transportation.gov/mission/seval-oz
## Tayfun Selen
**Commissioner, Morris County Board of County Commissioners**
Tayfun Selen serves on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners in New Jersey, where he has played an active role in county governance, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure planning, and community development. As one of the highest-ranking elected Turkish American public officials in New Jersey, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, responsible government, and civic leadership.
**Profile:** https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Board-of-County-Commissioners/Tayfun-Selen
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