EANC XXIV Council Elections, 2026
EANC Announces Election Dates and Candidates for the XXIV Estonian American National Council
The EANC Election Committee presents the following official list of confirmed candidates for the XXIV Council of the Estonian American National Council (EANC), together with their introductions. Candidates could submit their introductions in Estonian, English, or both languages.
In accordance with the EANC bylaws, 34 council members will be elected from the 37 candidates. These candidates and their introductory bios were published in the newspaper Vaba Eesti Sõna on May 21, 2026.
Election ballots, together with voting instructions and candidate information, will be mailed in the coming weeks to every address listed in the EANC database. If your household has more than two eligible voters, you may request additional ballots or further information by contacting EANC Executive Director Leelo Linask at erku@estosite.org or by telephone at 978-397-0020.
It is not too late to register in the database to participate in the EANC election. Register here: www.estosite.org/teataja-sign-up
Voting in the EANC elections may also be completed electronically online. Information and instructions regarding e-voting registration will be posted here in early June.
The voting period begins on June 25 and concludes on August 9, 2026.
The Estonian American National Council (EANC) is the nationally elected central organization representing Estonian Americans. The Council may consist of up to 50 members (currently 29), who serve on a volunteer basis and are elected nationally every four years by Americans of Estonian descent.
EANC works to preserve and support the Estonian language, cultural heritage, and community life in the United States; to support Estonian organizations and cultural activities; to promote awareness of Estonia among the American public; and to advocate for the interests of Estonian Americans, including support for the democratic Republic of Estonia.
EANC works closely with other like-minded organizations, including JBANC (Joint Baltic American National Committee) and CEEC (Central and East European Coalition). EANC also participates actively in the Estonian World Council (ÜEKN) and represents Estonian Americans in the Global Estonian Cooperation Commission.
EANC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization sustained through tax-deductible contributions from the Estonian American community. Thanks to generous community support, EANC has been able to assist Estonian American organizations, community initiatives, and special projects, while advancing EANC’s mission and goals.
Recent initiatives and supported events include sending Estonian choirs and folk dancers from the United States to the Estonian National Song and Dance Festival; sponsoring the internationally renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir North American tour earlier this year; and supporting the upcoming West Coast Estonian Days Festival.
Read more about EANC, our mission, and activities here.
Election Committee Co-Chairs
Lya Karm and Maria Pedak-Kari
Candidate applications for the EANC XXIV Council are now closed. The application deadline was April 23, 2026. Eligible candidates were required to be at least 18 years of age; be Estonian by descent, a family member of such an individual, or a resident member of the Estonian American community through family relations; and be legal residents of the United States.
The EANC Election Committee received 37 candidate applications for the XXIV Council. The official list of candidates and election dates have now been announced, and candidate biographies can be found below.
Ballots will be mailed to all addresses in the EANC database, and electronic voting registration will open soon.
Meet XXIV Estonian American National Council Candidates
Kristi Vuht Allpere Atlanta, GA | 1943 | Current board member
Being born in 1943, I survived the “Suurpõgenemine” (Mass Flight of 1944, SP ’44) via small boat to Sweden and the onward journey/flight to Canada in the “Viking ships” of 1949. I have lived in Sweden, Canada, USA, Germany, and Austria and am fluent in the respective languages as well as Estonian. I was immersed in the Toronto Estonian community and its rich cultural activities and graduated from the University of Toronto in 1966.
After marrying and moving to the USA, I pursued a career in personnel, journalism, and public relations before becoming what I call a “professional volunteer” in both the Estonian and American communities wherever I lived.
With my husband, Aadu J. Allpere, Honorary Consul in Georgia, I have built important and meaningful relationships representing Estonia in the communities around us. From a young age to the present, I have held leadership positions in a variety of organizations, clubs, school boards, fundraising associations, political groups, and cultural organizations.
My proudest accomplishment as chair and project leader of the Suurpõgenemine 1944 80th anniversary commemorations was leading a successful worldwide campaign to establish the Suurpõgenemine ’44 Memorial/Monument to honor and commemorate our parents’ generation that was forced to flee west during the Soviet occupation of 1944. The monument “Puudutus” stands on the bank of the Pärnu River, from where over 10,000 Estonians escaped into the night.
As a result of my 40+ years of contributions to the Estonian cause and the SP ’44 monument project, I received the Estonian Presidential Order of the White Star (2025), recognition from the Estonian Foreign Ministry on Citizens Day, the ERKÜ Achievement Award for my work on the SP ’44 project in the USA and worldwide, and a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Pärnu at the unveiling of the memorial in September 2024.
I have dedicated 12 years to ERKÜ and its mission through committee work and leadership roles. I have been an active and productive board and committee member, organizer, representative, and local spokesperson. I continue to share the Estonian and ERKÜ story and promote our mission, and I would like to continue serving for an additional term.
I have served as a Board Member for 12 years and participated in Grants, Books, Films, Annual Meeting and Gala planning, speaking engagements, and nomination committees. I have also been a President’s Circle level donor during these years. I have attended all Annual Meetings in person, as well as a high percentage of monthly board meetings. In addition, I served as ERKÜ delegate to the Estonian World Council and attended annual meetings.
I also served as Chair and Project Leader for the ÜEKN SP ’44 80th Anniversary Memorial Project. I raised $107,000 from Estonians in the diaspora, which funded the “Puudutus” memorial completed in 2024, and chaired the ERKÜ committee that served as the strong backbone of the worldwide project.
Anne-Reet Annunziata Burlington, MA | 1942 | Current board member
Born in Tallinn, I grew up in Canada and have lived in Boston since 1963. My education in Clinical Nutrition and Food Policy includes a degree from McGill University, graduate work at Boston University, and a PhD from Tufts University. My career as an academic and clinical nutritionist has included teaching at various universities and consulting in long-term care and senior health.
My work in Estonia has included serving as Editor for UNICEF’s Situation Analysis of Children and Families and Principal Investigator for the Child Health and Nutrition Survey in collaboration with TalTech. Along with my career, family life has always been a valued and important part of my life.
ERKÜ is unique in its support for Estonian endeavors. Estonians in the United States recognize ERKÜ as a primary resource for both financial and promotional support. Our population here is geographically scattered and regional resources are limited, yet volunteer-led events continue to play a significant role in maintaining and promoting our culture.
ERKÜ’s support of small community groups run by volunteers provides opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. At the same time, ERKÜ also supports significant large-scale events such as the recent Arvo Pärt celebration.
I have always been active in the Estonian community as a member of the Boston Estonian Society, a folk dancer, organizer of the Centennial celebration, and currently as a member of the Boston Baltic Film Festival team. The Estonian Film Institute has recently acknowledged the importance of this work.
As a current member of ERKÜ, I have attended meetings offered online and responded to requests for assistance whenever asked. My most recent involvement has been in the current initiative to strengthen connections between various Estonian societies and organizations.
As a member of the EANC (ERKÜ) Visnapuu Award Committee, I have participated in all committee meetings both in the United States and in Estonia.
Kristi Austin Mt. Juliet, Tennessee | 1977 | Candidate
Olen Eesti päritolu ettevõtja ja elan Nashville’is, Tennessee osariigis. Olen ettevõtte IGC Protection Inc. finantsjuht (CFO) ja omanik – tegemist on turva- ja liikluskorraldusettevõttega, mis tegutseb mitmes osariigis. Mul on üle 25 aasta kogemust juhtimises, äritegevuses ja finantsvaldkonnas.
Olen aktiivne kogukonnaliige ning osalen USA rannavalve abiorganisatsiooni (U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary) tegevuses Floridas, keskendudes kommunikatsioonile ja avalikkuse kaasamisele. Vabal ajal huvitun psühholoogiast ja emergentsetest tehnoloogiatest, tegelen jõutreeninguga ning osalen kogukonnaüritustel.
Soovin kandideerida Esinduskokku, sest tahan aidata eestlasi kokku tuua ja tugevdada meie kogukonda ka väljaspool Eestit. Minu igapäevatöö hõlmab organisatsiooni juhtimist, kommunikatsiooni ja süsteemide ülesehitamist ning usun, et neid oskusi on vaja ka kogukonna tugevdamisel.
Eestlasena USAs hoian aktiivselt sidet Eesti ja eestlaste kogukonnaga. Olen loonud Tennessee eestlastele suunatud Facebooki lehe, kus toon inimesi kokku, jagan infot ürituste ja võimaluste kohta ning aitan tugevdada omavahelist sidet.
Pean oluliseks eesti keele säilimist mitmekeelsetes peredes ning soovin, et eesti lapsed kasvaksid üles armastusega eesti keele ja kultuuri vastu.
Esinduskogus soovin panustada eelkõige kommunikatsiooni parandamisse, kaasatuse suurendamisse ja praktiliste lahenduste elluviimisse.
Mai-Liis Bartling Novato, CA | 1953 | Current board member
Born in Germany in 1953 to Estonian parents, I grew up in Los Angeles, attending Estonian school, folkdance, scouts, and later Metsaülikool. I graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1976 with a BA in Urban Studies. In the same year, I married Don Bartling and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where we have lived ever since. We have three grown children.
I retired in 2009 from a 31-year career with the National Park Service, which included serving as Deputy Superintendent of a large urban national park and leadership roles in the transition of former Army lands into national parklands.
Contributing to Estonian organizations and culture is deeply important to me. Since 2013, I have served as president of the Estonian Society of San Francisco, where I helped establish our Keelering and choir. The San Francisco Society supports the “Eesti by the Bay” community through newsletters and regular activities, welcomes and connects Estonians, and helps keep Estonian culture alive in the SF Bay Area.
I have also served on the LEP-ESTO 2013 Board, the Estonian League of the West Coast (EOLL) Heritage Board, and on Vaba Eesti Sõna’s Kolleegium (Advisory Board). In addition, I helped organize the Lääneranniku Eesti Koor to participate in Laulupidu in 2025.
I have served on the Council since 2014 because I strongly believe in EANC’s mission and its unique and important role as an inclusive national organization that can work with like-minded groups and advocate for Estonian American interests.
I have attended every annual meeting since being elected to the Council in 2014, as well as JBANC’s 2015 and 2017 conferences. I also participated in Baltic Advocacy activities in 2017 and 2018, and virtually in 2022, when it was critically important that the U.S. Congress hear Estonian American concerns regarding Ukraine and Baltic security. I am currently an active member of EANC’s Advocacy Committee.
I have been a board member since joining the Council in 2014 and began serving as vice president in 2018. I was elected president in 2023.
Among the committees I have served on are:
• Strategy Committee (since 2014), updating EANC’s strategic plan, improving its website, and taking on additional projects
• Estonian Books Disposition Committee (2016–2017)
• EANC Awards Gala Committee (2016), bringing the event to the West Coast for the first time
• EV103 Virtual Program Committee (2021) celebrating Vabariigi Aastapäev during COVID
• Virtual Fundraising Auction Committee (2021), raising funds for Estonian houses and facilities
• Visnapuu Award for Arts and Letters Committee (2022) to help re-establish the award
• Advocacy and Fundraising Committees (2022–2026)
• Investment Committee (since 2023)
I am proud to have been part of EANC’s work over the past 12 years and see how much important work remains ahead.
Marit Davey Rohnert Park, CA | 1979 | Current board member
Marit Davey grew up in Viljandi, Estonia, and graduated from the Estonian Business School in 2001 with a BA in International Business Administration. Professionally, she has worked with Booz & Co., PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and Levi Strauss & Co.
She is currently a Cybersecurity Program Manager in Product Security at Dayforce, focusing on cybersecurity, compliance, risk management, and strengthening enterprise security culture through programs and initiatives.
Marit lives in California, where she is raising two boys and enjoys providing them with opportunities to participate in Estonian activities. She is deeply committed to promoting Estonia and ensuring strong West Coast Estonian representation.
I would be honored to continue representing West Coast Estonians on the Estonian American National Council. I believe EANC plays an important role in keeping Estonians across the United States connected to Estonia, our culture, language, history, and civic voice.
For many years, I have supported Estonian-American activities through EANC, the San Francisco Estonian Society, LEP-ESTO 2013, and now LEP 2026 in San Francisco. My work has included event planning, fundraising, marketing, communications, business and technology programming, cultural events, and community engagement.
I currently serve as President and Lead Organizer for West Coast Estonian Days 2026, helping shape a program that connects culture, education, resilience, technology, entrepreneurship, youth programming, and the Estonian diaspora.
I have served as an elected member of the Estonian American National Council during the 2014–2018, 2018–2022, and 2022–2026 terms. During this time, I participated in all annual and semi-annual meetings except one, when illness prevented me from traveling. Although I could not attend in person, I continued supporting the organizing committee remotely by helping strategize, promote, and prepare meeting materials.
I have also supported EANC activities, committees, and special projects throughout my terms.
During the 2022–2026 term, I served on the Fundraising and Business Connect committees and as an EANC delegate to the Estonian World Council / ÜEKN.
During the 2018–2022 term, I served on the EANC Estonian Independence Day Planning Committee and the ESTO|Raiser 2021 fundraising committee, helping create branding, marketing, and online auction materials that supported nearly $15,000 in fundraising for Estonian Houses.
During the 2014–2018 term, I served on the planning committee for the 2016 EANC Annual Meeting in San Francisco, supporting the gala, public seminars, fundraising ideas, marketing, contracts, speakers, and programming.
Aarne Elias Bartlett, IL | 1961 | Current board member
I was born and raised in Chicago. I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and an MBA in finance, both from the University of Chicago. My professional career spans several decades in management consulting at Coopers & Lybrand, PricewaterhouseCoopers, IBM Global Services, and my own firm. I currently work in corporate finance at ICU Medical.
I serve as the Honorary Consul for Estonia in Chicago, a role I assumed in February 2026. I am a first-generation Estonian-American with deep roots in the Chicago Estonian community.
Aarne on olnud Chicago Eesti Maja nõukogu liige alates märtsist 1986. Selle aja jooksul on ta olnud sekretär, laekur, asepresident ja praegu president. Aarne on olnud Chicago Eesti Majas väga aktiivne: lapsepõlves lõpetas ta Chicago Eesti Kooli, on tantsinud rahvatantsutrupis “Mustjalg”, mänginud paljudes näidendites, küpsetanud köögis ning korraldanud kümneid üritusi Eesti Majas.
Aarne teab omast kogemusest, kuidas Eesti kogukond Ameerikas on muutunud. Esimese põlvkonna eesti-ameeriklasena on ta näinud, kuidas kogukonna vajadused on muutunud pagulaste kogunemispaigast kultuurikeskuseks, mis peab konkureerima mitmekultuurilise kaasaegse pere ajapiirangutega: noorte sporditrennide, kooli ja internetiga.
Ta mõistab, et internet ja sotsiaalmeedia on vähendanud vahemaad USA Eesti Majade ja seltside vahel ning et kogukond peab tegema tihedamat koostööd.
Aarne on viimased neli aastat olnud EANC juhatuse liige laekuri rollis. Samuti oli ta investeerimiskomitee liige ning aitas planeerida 2024. aasta novembris Chicagos toimunud EANC aastakoosolekut.
Aarne osales 2023. aasta virtuaalsel aastakoosolekul ning kohtumistel Lakewoodis, New Jerseys (2023), Chicagos, Illinoisis (2024) ja Albuquerque’is, New Mexicos (2025).
Rasmus Erlemann Charlotte, NC | 1992 | Candidate
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, Rasmus Erlemann graduated from Audentes Sports Gymnasium before earning his mathematics degree from the University of Tartu and a PhD in Statistics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
His career spans data science and engineering leadership roles at Vanguard, EY, and Planet42, where he has built teams and architected enterprise platforms driving multi-million-dollar impact. He also continues AI and knowledge graph research at UNC Charlotte and Carnegie Mellon University.
Outside of work, Rasmus is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor, earning IBJJF Master Worlds, Pan American, and European Championship titles. He now calls Charlotte home and enjoys the southern culture and warm climate.
Joining the Council is a natural extension of my commitment to the Estonian community. In addition to recently presenting my research at an Estonian webinar, I mentor students at the University of Tartu and collaborate with Cybernetica in Estonia on cybersecurity initiatives that strengthen not only the United States, but also NATO and Estonia.
Serving on the Council would allow me to expand this work by connecting Estonian talent and values across borders while supporting our community here in the United States.
Leif Fritzell Grand Forks, ND | 1982 | Current board member
Raised in Oregon by an Estonian mother and a Scandinavian father, Leif Fritzell earned his bachelor’s degree in European Studies from Oregon State University. After briefly studying at the University of Tartu, he completed a master’s degree at the University of British Columbia, where his work focused on Estonian security and citizenship policies.
Following in his mother’s footsteps, he found a fulfilling career in libraries and later earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Now residing in North Dakota, he enjoys the outdoors and watching his young nephews grow up among the wind and snow of the northern plains.
As a four-term Council member, I have had the privilege of serving the Estonian-American community for the past 16 years. I am renewing my candidacy because I believe my professional background and personal experience can help further the organization’s commitment to serving all Estonian-Americans, regardless of where they reside.
Additionally, as an American-born Estonian, I believe my presence on the Council provides our organization with meaningful intergenerational cohesion. Estonian-related issues have always been a passion of mine, and it would truly be an honor to be re-elected to the Council.
I have attended annual meetings in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
EANC Executive Board: Member-at-Large (2022–present)
Constitution and Bylaws Committee: Committee Chair (2021–present); Member (2016–2020). Together with the wonderful Gilda Karu, I help coordinate changes to EANC’s Constitution and Bylaws.
E-Voting Ad Hoc Committee: Committee Chair (2021–2022). Our committee carried out the Council’s primary investigation into incorporating and implementing e-voting for national elections.
In addition to these committees, I also attend informal brainstorming sessions as needed.
Rose Hellat Minneapolis, MN | 1988 | Candidate
I am an Estonian American with roots in southern Estonia. My mother was born in a displaced persons camp after World War II, and I have always identified strongly with my Estonian heritage.
In recent years, obtaining dual citizenship and visiting Estonia several times has deepened my connection to her homeland. These experiences inspired me to become more active in the Estonian community. I maintain friendships with Estonians and estophiles both in the United States and abroad and am proud to be part of the growing and vibrant Estonian community in Minnesota today.
I would like to join the Council to strengthen my connection to the Estonian-American community and contribute to preserving and promoting Estonian culture in the United States. My experiences reconnecting with Estonia through dual citizenship and multiple visits have inspired me to become more engaged and give back to the community that has shaped my identity.
I have supported and participated in Estonian-American activities by building relationships with Estonians and Estonian enthusiasts both in the U.S. and abroad, and by actively engaging with the growing Estonian community in Minnesota. I value creating connections, sharing cultural traditions, and helping foster a sense of belonging among Estonians and those interested in Estonia.
I have not been as involved in formal Estonian-American organizations in the past, largely due to focusing on my professional and personal responsibilities. As a social worker, I have dedicated much of my time to supporting others while also building and managing two businesses and helping an international Estonian business expand into Minnesota.
At this point in my life, I have more availability and capacity, and I see becoming involved as a civic duty. I am eager to engage more deeply with the broader Estonian-American community, contribute my skills and experience, and help strengthen the connections and cultural continuity that are so important to our shared heritage.
I believe I can meaningfully contribute to the Council’s mission by helping build bridges — between generations, between Estonians and the broader American public, and between community organizations.
Through my background in social work, I bring a people-centered perspective that supports inclusion, communication, and community well-being. My entrepreneurial experience allows me to think strategically about growth, outreach, and collaboration, including partnerships with non-Estonian organizations.
I am also committed to supporting cultural education and connection, whether through community engagement, promoting Estonian identity and heritage, or helping amplify accurate information about Estonia’s history, culture, and current affairs.
Kristel Imeraj Marietta, GA | 1981 | Current board member
I was born in Estonia, near Põltsamaa. I came to the United States as a nanny through Au Pair in America in January 2001. I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.
I worked in public accounting for five years before transitioning to the private manufacturing sector, where I worked for 12 years. My current role is with Stand Together, a nonprofit organization based in Arlington, Virginia, where I serve as Compliance and Internal Audit Leader. I am also a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP).
I am married to a war refugee from Kosovo, and together we have two children.
As a child growing up in Estonia, I remember listening to a radio station from Seattle, Washington, run by Estonians delivering world news. It was forbidden to listen to such broadcasts, and my parents warned me not to speak about it outside our home. At the time, I was too young to fully understand the topics being discussed, but after living in the United States for 25 years, I now deeply understand the importance of advocating for Estonia’s and the Baltic States’ interests in America.
Preserving and introducing Estonia’s rich language, literature, history, and culture in the United States is very important to me. I was one of the founding members of the Atlanta Estonian Cultural Society in 2014 and have helped organize and host events for our local community.
I have attended all annual meetings since beginning my service in 2022. The first meeting was virtual, while the meetings in Lakewood, Chicago, and Albuquerque I attended in person as an active planner and participant.
I have served four years on the EANC Council, including approximately two years as a board member leading the efforts of the Grants Committee.
I have also participated in the Communications Committee (since 2022), Council Member Recruitment Committee (2026), and Annual Meeting Planning Committee (since 2023).
At the 2025 annual meeting, I presented ideas focused on encouraging stronger collaboration between EANC council and board members while maintaining EANC’s visibility and importance within the community.
Urmas Kärner Chappaqua, NY | 1955 | Candidate
I was born and raised in New York City by Estonian parents who emigrated to the United States in 1949. As such, I proudly hold both American and Estonian citizenship.
My academic background includes BA and MA degrees from the City University of New York, majoring in Dramatic Arts with a focus on theatre directing.
Professionally, I have experience in direct marketing, consumer packaged goods brand management — including work for an Estonian-American cosmeceutical company — as well as hotel and resort management in the United States and abroad.
I am married to an Estonian American, and together with our daughter, we are fluent in Estonian.
Olen eluaeg olnud seotud tegevusega, mis tugineb Eesti maa ja rahva olemasolule ning edukale tulevikule, eelkõige Ameerika Ühendriikides.
Alates 1970. aastast olen olnud seotud järgmiste organisatsioonide ja tegevustega:
• Eesti Skautide Malev USAs Viiking Lipkonna “Varola” skautrühma juht
• Eesti Noorte Klubi USAs asutajaliige ja hiljem esimees
• NYEHS-i Long Islandi Laste Suvekodu kasvataja
• New Yorgi Eesti Meeskoori liige ja hiljem esimees
• New Yorgi Eesti Maleklubi liige ja hiljem esimees
• New Yorgi Eesti Teatri liige ja hiljem esimees
• New Yorgi Eesti Haridusseltsi juhatuse liige, hiljem abiesimees ning praegune revisjonikomisjoni liige
Olin ERKÜ kunagine noorim valitud Esinduskogu liige 1970. aastate lõpus.
Samuti olin mitu aastat Ülemaailmse Eesti Kesknõukogu delegaat, esindades Suurbritanniat.
Lisaks olin VI Ülemaailmsete Eesti Päevade (ESTO ’92 New York) peakomitee esimees.
Doug Karpa Mill Valley, CA | 1968 | Candidate
I grew up mostly in California as the child of a WWII refugee. My father focused on being American, so he did not speak Estonian with us or talk much about Estonia. As a result, my siblings and I came to our Estonian identity later in life, but we have since revived our connection to the Estonian community, obtained our citizenships, visited relatives in Estonia, sung in Laulupidu, and begun learning the Estonian language.
I live in Mill Valley, California, with my wife and daughter, and we also have two adult children who are becoming connected to their Estonian heritage.
Professionally, I practice renewable energy law and am active in local environmental and community organizations.
As someone who worked to create a connection to the Estonian community from almost nothing, I would like to give back by helping other Estonian Americans who grew up with little or no connection to Estonia build meaningful ties of their own.
For our family, learning a new culture, language, and traditions has been deeply moving, but also challenging. I have been fortunate to have a vibrant local Estonian community and choir with whom I sang in Laulupidu this past summer, but I recognize that many heritage Estonians may need different pathways to create their own connection.
As a lawyer with experience serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, I understand many of the challenges organizations face, including legal and organizational issues that may arise.
I also have experience advocating on important issues before legislatures and government agencies and would be honored to support EANC’s advocacy efforts.
Gilda Karu Arlington Heights, IL | 1951 | Current board member
Pärit Lakewoodist, oli Gilda Karu aktiivne Eesti koolis, gaidides, rahvatantsus ja muudes Eesti tegevustes. Ta on Chicago Eesti Maja ja Lakewoodi Eesti Seltsi liige ning olnud üle 40 aasta ERKÜ Esinduskogu liige ja juhatuse liige.
Gilda on Eesti Vabariigi Valgetähe V klassi teenetemärgi omanik tunnustusena eestluse hoidmise eest Ameerika Ühendriikides.
Tal on Vassar College’i A.B. kraad politoloogias ning J.D. kraad Chicago-Kent College of Law’st. Akadeemiliselt kuulub ta korp! Indlasse.
Praegu pensionärina teenis Gilda Ameerika Ühendriikide valitsust ligi 35 aastat. Alates 2013. aasta oktoobrist on ta olnud diakon-õpetaja ning teenib E.E.L.K. Chicago Esimest kogudust.
Gilda on aktiivne nii Ameerika kogukonnas kui ka rahvusvahelistes tegevustes ning elab Chicago äärelinnas Arlington Heights’is koos abikaasa Fred Foy’ga.
I want to continue working to represent Estonian Americans. I am a long-time member of the EANC and bring institutional history and experience in advocacy, organizing, and project work.
I have been active in Estonian-American activities for most of my life, including eesti kool, pühapäevakool, gaidid, rahvatants, the Estonian sorority Korp! Indla, Estonian festivals, and many other community activities.
I currently serve as deacon pastor of the E.E.L.K. Chicago Esimene Kogudus. I was also the proofreader for the history book Estonians in America.
I have publicized Estonian events in American media, given speeches, and represented EANC at numerous events. I was active in promoting the end of the Soviet occupation of Estonia and advocating for Estonia’s membership in NATO and the European Union.
From 2018 to 2025, I attended all annual meetings and frequently served as one of the meeting directors. I have also led opening prayers at meetings and actively participated in discussions.
I have served on the board for many years. On the current board, I am part of the Executive Committee as secretary.
I currently serve as an EANC delegate to the Estonian World Council and participate actively in the Advocacy Committee and Baltic Calls to Action.
I also serve on the bylaws committee and organized a Rahvuskongress during the 2011 West Coast Estonian Days in Portland.
In the late 1970s, I was part of the committee that developed the first English-language color brochure about Estonia and the Soviet occupation.
Laine Kõiva-Kingo Columbia, Connecticut | 1969 | Current board member
ERKÜ liige ning selle noortekomitee juhataja alates 2022. aastast. Connecticuti Eesti Seltsi president alates 2025. aastast. Revisjonikomisjoni liige Eesti Skaudi ja Gaidi Sõprade Seltside Liit USAs alates 2022. aastast.
Oli Connecticuti Eesti Kooli lauluõpetaja aastatel 1998–2022. Tema õpilased osalesid 2013. aasta Lääneranniku Eesti Päevade ja ESTO laulupeol San Franciscos ning 2017. aasta XII Eesti Noorte Laulupeol “Mina jään” Tallinnas.
Ta on korp! Indla vilistlane ning töötab University of Connecticut MBA programmis asedirektorina (Assistant Director, Student Services).
Laine elas Tallinnas aastatel 1992–1997 ning töötas Eesti Kontserdis, Eesti üldlaulupeo direktsioonis ja Ameerika saatkonnas.
Tal on magistrikraad kõrgema hariduse ja tudengiteenuste alal (Higher Education & Student Affairs) ning bakalaureusekraadid ärijuhtimises ja muusikas University of Connecticutist.
Ma olen olnud ühe ametiaja (2022–2026) ERKÜ liige ja selle aja jooksul toonud USA väliseesti noori aktiivsemalt ERKÜ ja muu kogukondliku tegevuse juurde.
Connecticuti Eesti Seltsi presidendina töötan selle nimel, et hoida ja tugevdada meie kogukonda ning säilitada eesti kultuuri ja traditsioone.
Connecticuti Eesti Kooli pikaajalise lauluõpetajana tutvustasin lastele Eesti koorilaulu traditsiooni.
Töötasin Eestis esimestel taasiseseisvumisjärgsetel aastatel, aidates tuua maailmatasemel muusikuid Eestisse ning toetada Eesti ja välismaa ettevõtete koostööd Eesti laulu- ja tantsupidude toetamisel.
Töötades Ameerika saatkonnas, saatsin Eesti hariduse juhte, õpetajaid ja teadlasi Ameerika Ühendriikidesse teadmiste ja kogemuste täiendamise programmidele.
Need kogemused koos minu kõrghariduse ja professionaalse taustaga annavad mulle unikaalsed ja väärtuslikud oskused aidata ERKÜ-l täita oma missiooni.
ERKÜ aastakoosolekud: 2022, 2023, 2024 ja 2025
Poolaasta koosolekud: 2023, 2024 ja 2025
ERKÜ esindamine ja ürituste korraldamine:
• Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoori kontserdid New Yorgis – 2025
• 6. märts 2025 – ERKÜ virtuaalfoorum Eesti suursaadikuga USAs
• Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoori kontserdid New Yorgis, Washingtonis ja Philadelphias – 2024
• Oktoober 2023 – ERKÜ Virtual Town Hall on Planned Closure of Consulates
• 19. mai 2023 – ERKÜ Virtual Talk (with Q&A) with the Ambassador of Estonia on Issues Pertinent to Estonia (served as moderator), millele järgnes avalik arutelu ESTO festivalide tuleviku teemal
Olen olnud ERKÜ noortekomitee juhataja aastatel 2022–2026 ning algatasime ERKÜ Young Estonian Americans Advisory grupi, mis tõi USA väliseesti noori kokku 2024. aasta ERKÜ aastakoosolekul Chicagos ning jätkas kuus kuud virtuaalselt.
Oleme saatnud mitmeid noori osalema Eesti Mäluinstituudi suvekoolides Eestis aastatel 2024 ja 2025 ning ühe noore ESTO 2025 Noortekongressile Narvas ja ÜEKN Rahvuskongressile Tallinnas.
Aitasin kohapealsete korraldustega ERKÜ toetatud Eesti Filharmoonia Kammerkoori ringreisidel New Yorgis, Washingtonis ja Philadelphias 2024. aastal ning New Yorgis 2025. aastal.
Osalesin ka 2023. aasta ERKÜ Esinduskogu aastakoosoleku korralduskomitees ning kaasneva ERKÜ Inspiratsioonifoorumi korraldamises, mis tõi kokku USA väliseesti noori.
Jüri Koll Venice, CA | 1961 | Current board member
Curator, filmmaker, and artist. Founder of the Venice Institute of Contemporary Art.
Has been serving with ERKÜ for the past 8 years and has been showcasing Estonian artists and filmmakers in the United States since 2011.
I have attended a number of annual meetings and actively participated in EANC activities.
I served as a Board Member and Chair of the Culture & Heritage Committee from 2018–2022.
Häly Laasme Upper Deerfield, NJ | 1973 | Candidate
Häly Laasme was born in Pärnu, Estonia, and currently resides in New Jersey. She serves as the Energy Assistance Director at Delaware DHSS.
Over the past four years, she has pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) as a Bloomberg Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on environmental challenges.
Häly holds a Fulbright Specialist tenure through 2028 in Public Administration and serves on the UNDP Global Policy Network ExpRes Roster for Climate Change Mitigation – Energy.
In 2025, she contributed as a subject matter expert to Delaware legislation connecting energy access with public health.
She holds a degree in economics from Columbia University.
I am motivated to join the Council to strengthen connections within the Estonian-American community and ensure that Estonians living in the United States feel recognized, supported, and engaged.
I believe there is a significant opportunity to better understand and connect the many Estonians who are working, studying, and building their lives in the United States, while also fostering collaboration with non-Estonian organizations.
I also hope to contribute to a more inclusive approach to engagement by recognizing that not all community members have equal financial ability to participate in Estonian-American activities. Expanding accessibility and creating opportunities for broader involvement would help ensure that a wider range of voices is represented.
Given my experience mentoring young people nationally and internationally, my passion centers around supporting future generations and women while helping them connect with their culture, roots, and community.
I currently serve on the Youth Committee of the Estonian American National Council together with Maia and Laine.
In this role, we design initiatives to strengthen engagement among young Estonian Americans and build community connections across the United States. Our work includes organizing monthly Zoom gatherings that create opportunities for youth participation and networking.
We have also supported scholarship opportunities enabling young Estonian Americans to attend Summer School programs in Estonia, strengthening cultural ties and language development.
In addition, we organized the Youth Advisory Group for the 2024 Annual Meeting in Chicago, helping facilitate youth input into Council activities and priorities.
Caroli Leiman Seattle, WA | 1979 | Candidate
Ma olen sündinud ja kasvanud Eestis nõukogude aja lõpu poole. Mul on tore ema, kes vedas oma lapsi igale rahvatantsuüritusele või kontserdile, kuhu võimalik. Nii kasvasin üles tantsides ja lauldes, õppides rahvakunsti ning kuulates Eesti muinasjutte, legende ning sosinaid ajaloost ja poliitikast.
Pärast Eesti taasiseseisvumist ja ülikooli lõpetamist kolisin Seattle’isse, kus Seattle Eesti Selts võttis mind kohe omaks.
Alustasin rahvatantsuõpetajana ning iga aastaga lisandus uusi tegevusi — nii eesti kooli, Seattle’i baltlaste kogukonna ettevõtmiste kui ka koostöö kaudu Washingtoni Ülikooliga.
Viimased kuus aastat olin Seattle Eesti Seltsi president ning Lääneranniku Eesti Päevade peakorraldaja.
Olen olnud eestlusega seotud juba lapsepõlvest peale, nagu eelnevalt mainitud.
Olen Seattle Eesti Seltsiga tegutsenud üle 20 aasta ning selle aja jooksul on toimunud palju muutusi. Rahvatantsugrupp on tulnud ja läinud ning ka tantsupeol sai mitu korda osaletud.
Lapsed, kellele omal ajal kooli lõime, on nüüdseks üles kasvanud. Koos meie Balti naabritega kohtume kord või kaks aastas.
Washingtoni Ülikoolile kogusime piisavalt sihtkapitali, mille tulemusena õpetatakse nüüd eesti keelt ja kultuuri põhikursusena.
Lisaks korraldasime suure mitmepäevase Eesti kultuurifestivali LEP. Kuigi Seattle’i kogukond on väike, oleme koos palju saavutanud ja kogenud.
Nüüd on aeg edasi liikuda ning vastata uutele väljakutsetele.
Lady Merle Liivand Miami Beach, FL | 1991 | Candidate
Lady Merle Liivand on professionaalne ujuja, ettevõtja ja Eesti Teeneteristi III klassi omanik. Merle omab 10 maailmarekordit ning on valitud ka 100 kõige mõjukama inimese nimekirja.
Tema igapäevane eesmärk ja missioon on tuua tähelepanu Eesti riigile, kultuurile ja ookeanidele.
Ettevõtliku sportlasena on ta loonud Florida ja Eesti vahele ärivõrgustiku, et aidata järgmise põlvkonna ettevõtjaid. Selle kaudu on ta toonud tähelepanu nii Eestile kui ka sinimajandusele, mille ülemaailmse organisatsiooni juhtorganisse valiti Merle hiljuti.
Esinduskogu on parim koht, kus hoida Ameerikas eesti kultuuri, teadmisi, keelt ja Eesti omapära. Kuigi meid on vähe, usun mina siiski, et Eesti on suur — eriti üle ookeani.
Meie kultuur on üle 10 000 aasta vana ning olles sündinud 1991. aastal — Eesti taasiseseisvumise aastal — tean, kui uhke tunne on kanda Eesti lipu värve. Olgu see intervjuusid andes, Eesti eest rahvusvaheliselt võisteldes või rahvusvahelistel kohtumistel osaledes.
Lisaks olen uhke, et viimase 10 aasta jooksul olen ehitanud mitu ettevõtet Ameerika ja Eesti vahel, mis on toonud äripartnereid nii Eestisse kui ka Miamisse — inimesi, kellest on saanud Eesti fännid.
Ma ütlen alati, et Merineitsi fännid on ka Eesti fännid!
Olen osalenud ERKÜ aastakoosolekutel ning tutvustanud ja edendanud ERKÜ tegevust nii Välisministeeriumis, Riigikogus, Kliimaministeeriumis, Kaitseministeeriumis kui ka spordivaldkonnas.
Hetkel aitan Eesti riigil valida ka aukonsulit.
Maia Linask Richmond, VA | 1973 | Current board member
Maia Kersti Linask was born on May 26, 1973, in Connecticut and currently resides in Richmond, Virginia.
She earned her B.A. in History and Literature from Harvard University in 1995, her M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) in 2005, and her Ph.D. in Economics from Johns Hopkins University in 2012.
She is currently an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Richmond and has been named the Robins Teaching Fellow.
Maia has previously been an active member of numerous Estonian organizations, including the Connecticut folkdance group Jaanik, the Connecticut Estonian Society, the Washington folkdance group Pillerkaar, and the Washington Eesti Kool.
She has served as a representative to the Estonian American National Council (EANC) since 2010.
I would like to continue serving in a leadership role within EANC in order to further our goals of supporting the activities and cooperation of Estonian-American communities, introducing Estonia and its culture to a broader audience, and helping sustain Estonia’s well-being and security through advocacy.
As part of strengthening the Estonian American National Council as an organization, I aim to continue connecting EANC with Estonians living in areas without large Estonian-American communities and bringing more young Estonian-Americans into our activities.
I have participated in all annual meetings and organizational work from 2012–2025, with the exception of 2018, when the annual meeting took place two weeks after the birth of our daughter.
I have served as an active Board member since 2012 and participated in multiple committees, including Strategy, Youth, and Advocacy.
I served as Chair of the Strategy Committee from 2014–2018 and again from 2025 to the present, and have served as Vice President since 2023.
I have directed or actively participated in many additional EANC initiatives, including website redesign, annual meeting planning, organizing and moderating town halls on topics ranging from ESTO to Estonia’s security, chairing the 2025 Rahvuskongress organizing committee, developing a strategic plan for Vaba Eesti Sõna, and serving on the Board of the Estonian World Council.
Marja Lutsep Saint Paul, MN | 1969 | Candidate
I grew up in the Twin Cities with Baltic parents — my father was Estonian and my mother Latvian — and the Minneapolis Estonian community served as our extended family.
I attended Stanford University for college and Duke University for law school. I specialized in international tax law and worked for the “Big Four” accounting firm Ernst & Young, as well as for Morgan Stanley in New York City for many years before returning to Minnesota.
I continue to work for Ernst & Young, focusing on the taxation of investment funds.
I am married and have two teenage sons, Mattias and Mikael.
I am looking for a structured way to expand awareness of Estonian culture and the political landscape surrounding Estonia. In particular, the Council offers opportunities to have influence not only within the Estonian community, but more broadly as well.
I attended the Minneapolis Estonian School and have remained involved with the Estonian community throughout my life.
My involvement has included launching a “Baltic Alliance” group during college, being a self-proclaimed Arvo Pärt enthusiast, bringing my son to Estonian school and participating in activities at the Estonian House while living in New York City, attending cultural events, and participating in advocacy efforts with JBANC.
Most recently, I have been involved in establishing a board for an Estonian society in Minnesota.
John A. Maasik Garrison, NY | 1970 | Candidate
I am John Maasik, a proud Estonian American living in New York’s Hudson Valley and the son of Laine Kallas Maasik and Tõnu Maasik, who were forced to leave Estonia as children during the war and Soviet occupation.
Their journey shaped my understanding of resilience and the importance of preserving our heritage. I grew up immersed in the Estonian-American community, attending Eesti Kool in New York City and carrying forward the traditions my parents worked hard to preserve.
Today, I pass those same values on to my two sons. With a background in business leadership and community engagement, I am committed to serving the Estonian-American community through the EANC.
The Estonian-American community has played a defining role in shaping my identity and values. Joining the EANC would allow me to give back in a meaningful way by helping preserve our cultural heritage and strengthening the relationship between Estonian-Americans and a democratic Estonia.
My engagement has been lifelong and multifaceted, including attending Eesti Kool at the New Yorgi Eesti Maja, marching for Freedom for the Baltics, and participating in Estonian camps and cultural events throughout the New York area and abroad.
I have served as a member of the Eesti Kool PTA as well as a hundu leader and camp counselor, supporting youth development within our community.
In addition, I have been an active supporter of Eesti Spordiliit USA and ESTO Ski, contributing to programs that unite the community through shared traditions and activities.
While I am not currently an EANC member, I have participated in EANC-supported activities over the years, including cultural events, Baltic advocacy efforts, and community programs.
This includes participating in Baltic Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. in 2019 together with JBANC.
I have remained consistently engaged in EANC-related initiatives and the broader Estonian-American community.
Laura-Liisa (Nanits) Mittal Bayonne, NJ | 1993 | Candidate
Olen sündinud ja kasvanud Eestis, kus kujunesid minu haridus ja väärtused. Kooliajal veetsin suviti aega Ameerikas, osaledes laagrites ja kogukondlikes ettevõtmistes, mis tutvustasid mulle väliseesti elu.
Pärast keskkooli asusin õppima Ameerikasse ning jäin siia elama ka pärast ülikooli lõpetamist. Kuigi algne plaan oli naasta Eestisse, kujunes minu teekond uute võimaluste tõttu teistsuguseks.
I was born and raised in Estonia, where my education and core values were formed. During my school years, I spent summers in the United States, participating in camps and community activities that introduced me to Estonian life abroad.
After high school, I moved to the United States for university and remained here after graduation. Although my original plan was to return to Estonia, my path changed due to new opportunities.
Soovin kandideerida Esinduskokku, et panustada aktiivselt väliseesti kogukonna tugevdamisse ning eesti keele ja kultuuri kestmisse järgmiste põlvkondade seas.
Olen sellele juba järjepidevalt kaasa aidanud, õpetades kuus aastat New Yorgi Eesti Koolis, kus panustasin ajaloo ja eesti keele tundidesse ning aitasin korraldada mitmeid kogukonnaüritusi, mis tõid kokku kümneid peresid.
Täna on see teema minu jaoks veelgi isiklikum. Soovin, et minu laps kasvaks üles tugeva eesti keele ja identiteediga, tunneks Eesti kultuuri ja traditsioone ning oleks aktiivselt seotud kogukonnaeluga — olgu selleks suvelaagrid, suusapuhkused või muud ühistegevused.
Usun, et järjepidev kogukondlik side loob kuuluvustunde, hoiab sõprussuhteid tugevana, säilitab keele igapäevases kasutuses ning kasvatab püsivat huvi oma juurte vastu.
Soovin panustada mitte ainult hoidmisele, vaid ka arendamisele, tuues ideid ja tegevusi, mis aitaksid muuta väliseesti kogukonnad tugevamaks, sidusamaks ja tulevikukindlamaks järgmiste põlvkondade jaoks.
I would like to join the Council to actively contribute to strengthening the Estonian community abroad and ensuring the continuity of the Estonian language and culture for future generations.
I have already contributed to this mission for six years by teaching at the Estonian School of New York, where I taught history and the Estonian language and helped organize several community events that brought together dozens of families.
This work is deeply personal to me. I want my child to grow up with a strong Estonian identity, fluent in the language, connected to Estonian culture and traditions, and actively engaged in community life through summer camps, ski trips, and other activities.
I believe that consistent community involvement creates a sense of belonging, sustains friendships, keeps the language alive in daily use, and nurtures a lasting interest in one’s roots.
I aim not only to preserve these communities, but also to help develop them through ideas and activities that make them stronger, more connected, and future-proof for future generations.
Mati Otsmaa Orinda, CA | 1951 | Candidate
Mati Otsmaa was born and raised in Los Angeles and has long been active in Estonian organizations.
He earned his MBA from USC and began his career on Madison Avenue before relocating to San Francisco, where he helped launch Apple into broadcast media. This experience led to a successful career in new product innovation.
Mati has supported several Estonian-founded Silicon Valley startups and contributed to Estonian initiatives in Toronto and Tallinn. He currently serves as a board member of two Tallinn-based companies.
Mati is married to Silvi Laan, and together they have two children, Mikk and Kai. He is currently the Managing Director of Market Direct.
I believe it is important for West Coast representatives to take active roles in the EANC to advance the freedom, cultural, and community interests of Estonian Americans.
Throughout my life, I have supported, participated in, and led numerous Estonian organizations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
My involvement includes serving twice as President of the San Francisco Eesti Selts, President of Lääneranniku Eesti Päevad (LEP), four terms as an LEP Board Member, President of EOLL, and currently as an active contributor to the 2026 San Francisco LEP.
I also continue to advise Estonian-founded startups on a pro bono basis and provide strategic support to global Estonian initiatives, including Keskus in Toronto.
I take pride in helping bring together Estonian-born and American-born communities.
I have attended and actively participated in EANC Annual Meetings in Philadelphia (2018), Washington, D.C. (2019), Virtual Meetings (2020, 2021, 2022), Lakewood (2023), and Chicago (2024).
My role in EANC has primarily been as an active and engaged member, contributing to select special projects.
These include supporting the ERKÜ award presentation at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Chicago and the ERKÜ public celebration and recognition event in Lakewood in 2023.
These efforts have helped enhance both the organizational and community impact of EANC events.
Silvi Pirn Cleveland, OH | 1965 | Candidate
Olen sündinud Chicago lähedal eesti põgenike perekonnas. Kasvasin üles kodus, kus eesti keel ja kultuur olid igapäevaelu loomulik osa ning kus rahvuslikku pärandit hoiti au sees.
See tugev side oma juurtega on suunanud nii minu haridusteed kui ka ühiskondlikku tegevust kogu elu jooksul.
Soovin kandideerida, sest minu elutee on olnud tihedalt seotud eestluse säilitamisega võõrsil.
Olles õppinud rahvusvahelist poliitikat ja keskendunud Venemaa ning Nõukogude Liidu küsimustele, mõistan sügavalt Eesti geopoliitilist tähendust.
Soovin rakendada oma teadmisi ja pikaajalist kogukonnatöö kogemust, et tugevdada eesti võrgustikke Ameerika Ühendriikides ning tagada, et meie hääl ja kultuuripärand püsiksid tugevana ka tulevaste põlvkondade jaoks.
Minu suurim praktiline panus oli Chicago Eesti Kooli taasavamine ajal, kui minu lapsed olid veel väikesed, et kohalikel lastel oleks võimalus õppida eesti keelt ja kultuuri.
Olen aastakümneid aktiivselt osalenud kogukonnaüritustel ning pidanud väga oluliseks järjepidevust ja kogukonna hoidmist.
Kõige olulisemaks pean aga seda, et olen kasvatanud oma lapsed eestimeelseteks ja eesti keelt kõnelevateks inimesteks, kes on veetnud aega Eestis ja kannavad meie pärandit edasi.
Toetan järjepidevalt eesti üritusi ja rahvuskaaslasi ning hoian sidet kodumaaga elavana.
Liina Raud Chicago, IL | 1988 | Candidate
Liina Raud, born and raised in Türi, Estonia, began her career in Tallinn as a recognized television actress and political candidate, running for both the Estonian Parliament and European Parliament as one of Estonia’s youngest candidates representing SDE.
She moved to the United States in 2016 and has since focused on fine art and cultural advocacy.
Over the past three years, she has actively supported underrepresented artists and worked to bring Estonian art into Chicago’s cultural landscape.
She is passionate about contributing to and strengthening the Estonian community in Chicago.
I want to join the Council to strengthen the presence of Estonian culture in the United States through fine art and cultural diplomacy.
My work focuses on bringing Estonian artists into broader public conversation and building meaningful connections between Estonia and American audiences.
In October 2025, I organized the event AI in Art, Culture, and Education in Chicago in honor of the President of Estonia, where we showcased the work of Estonian artist Kadi Tombak.
The event brought together voices from art, technology, and education while highlighting Estonia’s innovation and creative identity.
I have also collaborated with organizations such as Iglucraft, Silen, and the Embassy of Estonia in Washington, D.C.
Through these efforts, I have actively supported Estonian-American initiatives and community engagement.
Anne-Marie Riitsaar San Francisco, CA | 1981 | Candidate
Anne-Marie Riitsaar is an International Security Analyst at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, working at the intersection of nuclear nonproliferation, emerging technologies, and international law.
She previously worked as a Safeguards Information Analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency and, as a national expert, represented Estonia in the United Nations High-Level Group on Fissile Materials.
She was awarded the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Silver Decoration of Merit for her contributions to Estonia’s successful United Nations Security Council campaign.
Anne-Marie holds a Master’s degree in Nonproliferation from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and is currently pursuing legal studies at UC Law San Francisco.
I seek to join the Council to strengthen Estonia’s international positioning by deepening transatlantic ties in technology, education, and AI governance.
I aim to advance a Baltic innovation presence in Silicon Valley in order to strengthen transatlantic economic ties, support startups, and deepen cooperation among Baltic, Nordic, and Ukrainian partners.
I believe that by accelerating innovation partnerships and regional alignment, we strengthen resilience and help safeguard our freedom.
Marju Rink-Abel Kensington, MD | 1948 | Current board member
I was born in Geislingen, Germany, grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, and currently live in Kensington, Maryland.
I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and earned master’s degrees from Columbia University and the University of Maryland.
I worked for the U.S. Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C. for 34 years in a variety of leadership positions, overseeing the library, information services, and later internal auditing.
I have been involved in Estonian activities for most of my life.
Sündisin Geislingenis, Saksamaal ja elan praegu Kensingtonis, Marylandis. Töötasin USA riigikontrolli ametis 34 aastat juhtivatel ametikohtadel.
Olen olnud aktiivne eesti-ameerika kogukonnas suurema osa oma elust.
As a Council member since 1989, I wish to use my experience and contacts to further EANC’s work representing Estonian-American interests and maintaining strong relationships with the government of Estonia during these challenging times.
Before joining EANC, I served as president of the Washington (D.C.) Estonian Society.
During my time with EANC, I have participated in various committees, served as treasurer, and was president for nearly 17 years.
I currently represent EANC on the boards of the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC), the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC), and the Estonian World Council, where I serve as vice president.
I am also on the board of the newspaper Vaba Eesti Sõna and previously served on the Estonian Foreign Ministry’s Global Estonian Commission.
Soovin jätkata oma tööd ERKÜs. Olin 17 aastat esimees ja varem laekur. ERKÜ töö on praegustel keerulistel aegadel väga tähtis ning tahan oma kogemusi jätkuvalt rakendada.
Esindan ERKÜd mitmes organisatsioonis, sealhulgas JBANCis, CEECis ja ÜEKNis.
I have attended all annual meetings since 1989 with the exception of 2022.
As president from 2006–2023, I led and participated in the majority of EANC’s work and represented EANC with numerous partner organizations.
Currently, I participate in the Investment and Advocacy Committees while continuing to represent EANC externally.
Olen ERKÜ liige alates 1989. aastast ning osalenud kõikidel aastakoosolekutel peale 2022. aasta.
Olin ERKÜ esimees aastatel 2006–2023, juhtides organisatsiooni tegevust ning esindades ERKÜd erinevates organisatsioonides.
Praegu osalen investeerimiskomitees ja advocacy komitees ning jätkan ERKÜ esindamist JBANCis, CEECis ja ÜEKNis.
Additionally, I helped edit and publish EANC’s book Estonians in America, 1945–1995 and managed and improved EANC’s finances and administrative processes during my years as president.
Ingrid Roosild Albuquerque, NM | 1973 | Current board member
Founder and CEO of Kivi Financial Group, an independent financial planning and investment management firm, since 2002.
Holds the Series 24 General Securities Principal License, Series 7 Securities License, Series 66 Investment Advisory Representative License, and Life & Health License.
She is also a Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC).
Ingrid earned her MBA from the University of New Mexico in 1997.
I would like to continue my work with the Investment Committee to help advance the goal of building an endowment that will provide lasting financial support for the programs and initiatives of the Estonian American National Council.
I believe these programs are an integral part of the Estonian-American community and our shared cultural heritage.
I attended in-person EANC Annual Meetings in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024, and 2025, as well as virtual meetings in 2021 and 2022.
As Chair of the Investment Committee and a member of the Fundraising Committee, I participate in quarterly committee meetings and related activities.
Tiina Sepp San Francisco, CA | 1956 | Current board member
I was born in Estonia and earned an MS degree in Chemical Engineering from TalTech. I later completed Ph.D. studies at Stanford University.
I participated in the AABS Conference at Stanford and was part of the team that brought the critically acclaimed exhibit Estonia through 100 Pairs of Eyes to the San Francisco World Affairs Center.
My advocacy work during annual Baltic Advocacy Days coordinated by JBANC included in-person visits to Congressional offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in 2019, as well as virtual meetings in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
I have also helped organize meetings with my local representative, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, and contacted other representatives as needed.
As an elected EANC delegate since 2018, I attended all in-person meetings in 2019 and participated virtually in 2020 and 2021.
During my second term, I participated in all meetings except one in Chicago.
I have served on the EANC Fundraising and Strategy Committees for two terms and was a member of the Investment Committee during the last term.
I am currently also part of the new Business Connect Committee.
I actively participate in committee meetings, ongoing initiatives, and contribute where needed.
Andres Simonson West Long Branch, NJ | 1973 | Current board member
My name is Andres Simonson and I am an environmental consultant by day, parent and husband by night.
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Master of City and Regional Planning degree with a concentration in Environmental Planning.
I live in West Long Branch, New Jersey with my wife, three children, and our Havanese dog, Cosmo.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, outdoor activities, writing, and tinkering in the garage.
I have served on the EANC for the past 12 years and on the Board of Directors for two terms, and I believe our work is unfinished.
I hope to continue working with my teammates to further Estonian causes within the United States. Volunteerism is personally very important to me and, because Estonian Americans are relatively few in number, essential for sustaining our community and mission.
I hope to continue participating in committee efforts and helping modernize the organization.
In addition to serving on the EANC, I periodically write for Estonian World, an English-language online publication focused on global Estonian issues.
I am a member of the Lakewood Estonian Association and frequently speak at community events.
My children are enthusiastic Järvemetsa campers, and over the past four years I have traveled to Estonia twice with my family to show them why Estonian Americans hold so strongly to their roots.
Perhaps my most important qualification is that I enthusiastically eat verivorst with a dollop of lingonberry jam every Christmas Eve.
I have attended all annual meetings throughout my 12-year tenure and have frequently led discussions, participated on panels, and emceed gala events.
I served on the EANC Board during my first and third Council terms.
Over the years, I have led or participated in the Strategy Committee, Communications Committee, Youth Committee, and Annual Event Planning Committee.
A special project I hope to revive and continue contributing to is the history of the EANC project.
Alvar Soosaar Narberth, PA | 1974 | Current board member
Volunteer Activities
• Honorary Consul of Estonia for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
• Estonian Students Fund (Eesti Üliõpilaste Toetusfond USAs): Board member, Investment Committee member, and scholarship reader (2012–present)
• ERKÜ member and former Board member (2014–present)
• Rotalia Fond Eestis, U.S. delegate (2015–present)
Former Activities
• New York Estonian School teacher
• New York Estonian House (New York Estonian Educational Association) Board member
Professional Experience
• Fjord Ventures – Managing Partner, investing in Nordic and Baltic companies
• Advisor to multiple Estonian companies and investment funds
• Director of U.S. Investment and Trade for the Estonian Embassy in Washington and Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2020–2023)
• Former Portfolio Manager at RAIT Financial Trust
Education
• BA, University of Virginia
• MBA, University of Oxford (UK)
I would be honored to continue my service with EANC (ERKÜ), where I currently serve on the Investment, Business Connect, and Recruitment Committees.
I previously served on the Board, the Strategy Committee, the mentorship group, and as a delegate to ÜEKN (Estonian World Council).
ERKÜ plays a crucial role as the representative voice of Estonian-Americans:
• To federal and state governments, particularly through JBANC
• To other ethnic organizations in the United States, including Baltic-American groups
• To the Estonian government
• To Estonian communities around the world, directly or through ÜEKN and related organizations
I would like to further strengthen the Business Connect Committee to improve Estonian-American business relations.
We can support Estonian-American businesses, provide mentorship and internship opportunities for young Estonian-Americans both in the United States and Estonia, strengthen networking and investment opportunities for Estonian companies, and work together with Baltic and Nordic business organizations to deepen commercial ties with Northern Europe.
I have attended all but three annual meetings during my 14 years on the Council, and all but two monthly meetings while serving on the Board.
I continue to serve on the Investment Committee, including quarterly meetings and periodic meetings with the external investment manager, and have recently joined the Business Connect Committee.
For some time, I have advocated for EANC to temporarily fulfill the role of an Estonian-American Chamber of Commerce, which contributed to the creation of the Business Connect Committee.
I helped connect a U.S. investor with both American and Estonian government officials as well as investment opportunities in Estonia.
As additional opportunities emerge, I expect the committee’s activity to continue growing and potentially evolve into a standalone chamber organization in the future.
Eric Suuberg Barrington, RI | 1951 | Candidate
Eric Suuberg sündis New Yorgis nn vana-eestlaste perekonnas, kelle juured Ameerikas ulatusid aega enne Teist maailmasõda.
Kõrghariduse omandas ta Massachusettsi Tehnoloogiainstituudis (MIT), kus ta sai 1976. aastal majanduse magistrikraadi ja 1978. aastal keemiainseneri doktorikraadi.
Suuberg on kütusekeemia ja keskkonnakaitse spetsialist ning on töötanud külalisprofessorina Tallinna Tehnikaülikoolis (TTÜ).
Tal on pikaajalised sidemed TTÜ keemiateadlastega ning ta nimetati TTÜ audoktoriks 2007. aastal.
Viimased kaheksa aastat on ta töötanud Vaba Eesti Sõna väljaandva Nordic Press, Inc. ning selle õigusjärglase mittetulundusühingu The Nordic Press Estonian-American Publisher, Inc. presidendina.
Olen eluaeg näinud eestlust kohustusena, mis pärineb minu vanematelt ja vanavanematelt.
Nende tegevuste ja saavutuste üle olen uhke ning see on ka põhjus, miks soovin sama vaimu edasi kanda.
Tänu sellele taustale mõistan hästi, millised olid USA eestlaste suhted Kodu-Eestiga varasematel aegadel ning kui oluline on see side ka tänapäeval.
On äärmiselt tähtis, et Eesti oleks Ameerika Ühendriikides hästi tuntud ja esindatud — mitte ainult diplomaatide kaudu, vaid ka igapäevases kogukonnaelus.
Oluline on, et siin oleksid inimesed ja organisatsioonid, kes võtavad vastu Eestist saabujaid, olgu nad siin lühiajaliselt või pikemalt, ning kes oskavad selgitada Eesti olukorda ja arenguid ka Ameerika ühiskonnale.
Olen ERKÜ tegevuses osalenud üle 27 aasta erinevates rollides — liikmest juhatuse liikme ja asepresidendini.
Olin juhatuse liige mitmel korral ning täitsin asepresidendi rolli aastatel 2014–2018.
Praegu, kuna olen Vaba Eesti Sõna ehk The Nordic Press Estonian-American Publisher, Inc. esimees, olen taandunud aktiivsetest ERKÜ juhatuse rollidest.
Tarmo Tari Chelmsford, MA | 2003 | Candidate
I am a Sales Development Representative at MEDITECH based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
I recently graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, where I was also a member of the basketball team.
I have been actively involved in the Boston Estonian Society for several years and am fluent in both Estonian and English.
I come from an Estonian family, with both of my parents having Estonian roots, and my brother currently living in Tartu.
I was also recently selected as a youth delegate to attend the Estonian World Council Conference in Tallinn.
As a young Estonian American, I recently had the privilege of attending the plenary sessions of the Estonian World Council and the Global Estonian Cooperation Commission in Tallinn, which deepened my connection to my heritage and community.
I have been actively involved in both the Connecticut Estonian Society and the Boston Estonian Society from a young age.
Through these organizations, I learned the Estonian language, strengthened ties with family in Estonia, and developed an appreciation for my heritage and the sacrifices my grandparents made during the Great Migration.
I want to join the Estonian American National Council to continue supporting and promoting Estonian culture on a broader scale.
I am eager to contribute to preserving and advancing the interests of Estonian Americans.
Dr. Alan Tomson, Ed.D Davis, WV | 1953 | Candidate
Today, I am serving my fifth year as a mayor.
After graduating from West Point, I served 32 years in the United States Army, beginning as an infantry paratrooper, advancing into Special Operations, and concluding my military career in the intelligence community.
I retired with the rank of Colonel and later served as a Senior Executive at a level equivalent to Major General, focusing on financial management and transformation within Army intelligence.
I lead from the front by building teams grounded in shared mission, accountability, and excellence, and I am known for cutting through complexity to deliver practical and effective solutions.
I am committed to strengthening the visibility and representation of Estonian Americans within the broader American community while also deepening engagement within our own community.
I currently serve as President of the Washington Estonian Society, now in my fourth year, where I have worked to expand programs, build community connections, and preserve Estonian cultural heritage.
My military career, including assignments in remote locations around the world, at times limited my participation in Estonian community activities, but it also strengthened my leadership skills and global perspective.
In January 1992, I had the unique privilege of supporting Estonia’s newly restored independence by assisting its emerging government for four months.
My work included collaboration with the National Standards Board, Ministry of Industry and Energy, Estonian Chamber of Commerce, and military forces.
My lifelong commitment to the Estonian community began in youth through Estonian Scouts, Estonian school, church, and community programs, which formed the foundation for my continued service.
Marianne Torm Arlington, VA | 1991 | Candidate
Born and raised in Estonia, Marianne Torm graduated from the University of Tartu with a B.A. in Theology in 2014.
She moved to Austin, Texas in 2015, and after spending several years in the Lone Star State, later relocated to Washington, D.C., which has been her home ever since.
During her ten years in the United States, she has built a successful career working in legal and operational roles across local government and bootstrapped startups before ultimately transitioning into defense technology, where she now works as a seasoned deal operations lead.
Working in defense technology in Washington, D.C. has given me a front-row seat to how policy, funding, and technology intersect to shape the future of small nations on the front lines of Europe.
That proximity has deepened my sense of responsibility to actively contribute rather than simply observe.
This year, I joined JBANC on Capitol Hill to advocate for Baltic defense funding and continued U.S. commitment to the region.
It was a formative experience that reinforced how important the Estonian-American voice is in Washington.
On a personal level, I have always been intentional about keeping Estonian culture alive in my daily life.
Whether through visiting the Estonian Embassy during the EU Open House, celebrating Estonian holidays with friends and loved ones, or helping others better understand Estonia’s history and unique cultural identity, I remain deeply connected to my roots.
Lisa Trei Citrus Heights, CA | 1959 | Current board member
I am a third-generation Estonian American.
In 1990, I moved to Estonia to teach journalism at the University of Tartu and report for newspapers. During that time, I compiled Estonia’s first handbook on investigative journalism and covered the exciting and often chaotic years surrounding Baltic independence in the 1990s.
In 1996, my Estonian husband and I moved to California, where we raised our three children.
I worked in communications at Stanford University for 26 years. After retiring in 2023, I returned to Estonia to pursue a master’s degree in Estonian Studies at Tallinn University.
I also joined the Vabamu Museum as a Fulbright Specialist and have developed exhibitions about Estonian refugees who fled from Sweden across the Atlantic during the 1940s, as well as exhibitions about my grandparents as members of the pre-World War II “old Estonian” community in New York City.
I want to help support Estonia by participating in the advocacy work of the EANC.
Living in Estonia during my graduate studies has given me a valuable opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the country today.
National security remains especially important to me given the current geopolitical climate involving Russia.
I am a member of the Estonian Society of San Francisco and helped found the Estonian Community Choir of San Francisco, which participated in the 2019 Laulupidu.
In Estonia, I developed two exhibitions about Estonian Americans for the Vabamu Museum and organized “põlvkondade kohtumised” in Tallinn and Pärnu during the 80th anniversary of the Suurpõgenemine, bringing together väliseestlased and high school students.
I am currently an EANC member. While living in Estonia, I participated in activities together with other EANC members, including ESTO 2025 in Narva and Tallinn, the ÜEKN Rahvuskongress in Tallinn, and the 2025 Laulupidu.
While living in California, I also participated in virtual Baltic Advocacy Days organized by the American Latvian Association.
Due to my graduate studies at Tallinn University, I have primarily followed EANC annual meetings online and have not been able to attend most meetings in person.
Since becoming an EANC member, I have served on the Fundraising Committee.
As a consultant at Vabamu and a graduate student at Tallinn University, I have been actively researching 20th-century Estonian-American history.
I have served on the board of the Estonian Society of San Francisco since 2018.
In May 2024, to help build community and promote the Estonian Society of San Francisco, I co-organized a Bay to Breakers team. Approximately 25 participants wearing specially designed Estonian Society shirts walked across San Francisco during the iconic annual event.
I have also presented my exhibition Free Winds, about Baltic refugees who escaped in small boats from Sweden across the Atlantic in the late 1940s, at events and meetings in England, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, and California.
Ilmar Vanderer Montclair, NJ | 1968 | Current board member
Advocate and tireless champion of Estonia and all things Estonian. Dedicated supporter of Estonian community organizations and founder of a U.S.-Baltic business consultancy featured in Forbes.
Outstanding graduate of the NYEHS Eesti Kool with a B.A. in Political Science, Film, and Journalism from Duke University, followed by advanced studies in International Trade and Finance at the NYU School of Professional Studies.
An award-winning communications strategist whose work has advanced the missions of major museums, leading libraries, political campaigns, and documentary films.
Currently works as a journalist and content producer, managing a digital news platform and specializing in transforming complex information into compelling stories that engage and inform audiences.
Supported congressional visits and youth participation at JBANC conferences.
Also supported filmmakers Jim and Maureen Tusty through fundraising and media relations efforts for the documentary The Singing Revolution. His fundraising and media outreach leadership helped expand the film’s reach and advance awareness of Estonia’s story internationally.
Co-founded a consultancy supporting Estonia’s post-Soviet economic redevelopment through trade, tourism, and privatization initiatives.
Olen olnud ERKÜ Esinduskogu liige alates 1994. aastast ning ERKÜ juhatuse liige aastatel 2002–2014 ja uuesti alates 2022. aastast.
I attended numerous annual meetings throughout these years, including virtual meetings in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
In addition to attending monthly EANC Board meetings, I have also actively participated in numerous committee meetings.
In 2021, I served as Chair of the Fundraising Committee, where EANC’s first virtual auction, ESTO Raiser, successfully raised $15,000.
In 2022, I supported EANC’s Ukraine advocacy efforts by participating in JBANC’s initiative encouraging U.S. cities to suspend Russian Sister City relationships.
I successfully lobbied leaders in Montclair, New Jersey to terminate ties with its Sister City, Cherepovets, Russia, on April 5, 2022.
Most recently, I have served on the EANC Advocacy and Grants Committees.