BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nevzat Yilmaz, PhD
President
Dr. Yilmaz is a practicing CPA and firm director with over 30 years experience in accounting and business administration. He holds a Master’s degree in economics from Northeastern University, Boston and a PhD in accounting from Istanbul University.
Galip Kiyakli, MBA
Treasurer
Chief Operations Officer at Nema Food Dist. Inc with 20 years of diverse experience in all aspects of business administrations. Mr. Kiyakli holds an MBA from Point Park University, PA (2003) and a BSc in Environmental Engineering from Istanbul University (1996).
Celil Yaka
Secretary and CEO
Celil Yaka is a passionate and driven professional with a robust project management and business development background. With over 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Celil has successfully led numerous projects from inception to completion, delivering measurable results and driving organizational growth. His strategic mindset and ability to foster productive relationships across teams and stakeholders have been critical to his success. Skilled in analyzing market trends, identifying opportunities, and implementing innovative strategies, Celil has optimized efficiency and profitability in every role he has undertaken. Before joining Embrace Relief as CEO in July 2024, Celil served as the Executive Director of the Center for New Americans and held leadership positions at the Global Business Council and Turkic American Chamber of Commerce. His academic foundation in Business Administration and Management from Marmara University further strengthens his expertise.
William Alexander Morel, MFA
Member
William A. Morel is an award-winning artist, currently holding the position of Associate Professor of Art and Design at St. John’s University. Before joining St. John’s, he developed editorials and documentaries for several international aid organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization (P.A.H.O.-W.H.O.), Organization of American States (OAS), and Accion International, among others. His personal work has been exhibited nationally and internationally since 1995.
Walter Marin
Member
Mr. Marin is the founder and President of Marin Architects, an architectural design firm since 1987. Having completed a BS/BA in Architecture in 1982, he proceeded to work with well-known architectural firms including the Howard Golden Firm prior to establishing Marin Associates, which later grew to become the Marin Architects firm.
Kirstin Vanderheof
Member
Since joining Embrace Relief’s board of directors in February 2020, Kirstin has brought extensive financial knowledge and experience. Working in finance for nearly 15 years in banking, education, and the Westchester County Department of Social Services, she now sits as the chairperson for Embrace Relief’s Finance Committee. Kirstin holds a B.S. in International Business Management and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety at Pace University.
Mehmet S. Keskin
Member
Mehmet is currently living with his wife and five lovely children in Wayne, New Jersey. Mehmet has a diverse background in teaching and humanitarian work which brought him to his role as a board member. He is currently a Mathematics Teacher at a Public School in New Jersey, where he teaches the practical application of mathematics, math theories, and critical thinking. Before teaching, he was the Education Coordinator for FEBA, a nonprofit in New Jersey. Since joining Embrace Relief’s Board of Directors in August 2021, Mehmet has taught Mathematics in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and the United States, and he worked as Math Department Chair and Director of Evaluation and Growth in Houston, Texas. Mehmet Keskin received his B.Sc. from Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey (Middle East Technical University) and received his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas. Mehmet holds a Superintendent Certificate in the state of Texas, and a School Administrator certificate in New Jersey.
