Vural Cengiz elected Next President of ATAA
The Turkish Times - Vural Cengiz, a long-time ATAA official, a tireless community activist and a successful businessman, was elected ATAA's President-Elect during ATAA's nationwide 2002 elections and took over his position at the ATAA's 23rd Annual Convention. His presidency will begin in two years following Ercument Kilic.

ATAA President-Elect Vural Cengiz with his wife Sabrina.

Mr. Cengiz has graduated from Ankara University's School of Political Sciences in 1980 with a B.A. degree. He holds an M.A. degree from Cukurova University of Turkey and received his MBA from State University of West Georgia in 1989. He has been a member of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Georgia since 1986; President of TACA-GA from 1994 to 1997; Vice-President of ATAA from 1996 to 2000; Executive Board member and Treasurer of ATAA since 2000. He received the High Service Award of TACA-GA in 1998, Meritorious Service Award of ATAA in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Award of ATAA in 1998. He is the President of 101 Brands, Inc. and American Culinary Development, Inc. and a board member of Turcorp, Inc.

Among the important community services Mr. Cengiz has delivered in the past is the resettlement of 130 Bosnian families between 1995-97 through International Rescue Committee. Cengiz helped 425 Bosnians learn English, find jobs, find homes and thus adjust to their new lives in a new land. Remembering that mission, Vural told Turkish Times: "that was probably one of my proudest moments in life."

We are certain that more such proud moments are awaiting ahead for the industrious and resourceful Mr. Cengiz. ATAA family also congratulates him on his marriage to Mrs. Sabina Cengiz from Uzbekistan.