Bridge to Türkiye Fund Appoints Deniz Taşdemiroğlu Conger as Executive Director Following National Search
[Chapel Hill, North Carolina, November 13, 2025] – After a nationwide search that drew over 125 applicants, Bridge to Türkiye Fund is thrilled to announce the appointment of Deniz Taşdemiroğlu Conger as its new Executive Director.
Deniz emerged as the top candidate from the very beginning. “She was the first person we interviewed, and from that first conversation, it was clear—Deniz was the one,” said Bulent Ender, President of the Board of Directors. “Her authenticity, leadership, and deep connection to our mission made an immediate and lasting impression.”
A seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience, Deniz has raised more than $600 million to support education, healthcare, arts, and equity-centered causes. Her leadership journey includes senior roles with Henry Ford Health System, Cascadia Health, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation. Most recently, she served as Interim CEO of Umatilla-Morrow Head Start.
But her connection to this role with Bridge to Türkiye runs deep to her cultural roots.Deniz is the daughter of Server and Nurhan Taşdemiroğlu, founding members of the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM). She and her twin brother Cihangir were active members of the Detroit Turkish community, attending Turkish school on Sundays, participating in cultural events, and growing up within a highly engaged Turkish American community and with a strong sense of identity.
“Joining Bridge to Turkiye Fund is a profound opportunity to carry forward all that I’ve learned and contribute to a beloved nonprofit that leads with both heart and purpose,” Deniz shared. “Bridge to Türkiye Fund’s strength lies in its humanity—it’s woven into everything we do. When we make children our top priority, we’re building brighter futures, and with it, elevating entire communities and shaping a more compassionate world. To stand alongside a dedicated team so deeply committed to building bridges of change, connection, and lasting impact is both an honor and an extraordinary responsibility—one I embrace wholeheartedly.”
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Deniz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science, environmental policy, and nonprofit/public administration. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Affairs & Public Policy at Portland State University, with a research focus on nonprofit governance and inclusive philanthropy. She serves on the boards of CFRE International, the Alliance for Equity in Montessori Education, Open Signal, and the University of Michigan Alumni Association in Oregon. She was also named one of NonprofitPro’s Top 40 Over 40 Nonprofit Leaders.
As Bridge to Turkiye Fund opens this exciting chapter under Deniz’s leadership, we also take a moment to express our deep gratitude to those who carried us to this point.
We extend special thanks to Emin Pamucak, a founding board member whose leadership over the past several years helped guide the nonprofit through a period of significant growth. Though he has transitioned his daily role, Emin remains a cherished friend and ongoing advocate for Bridge to Türkiye Fund and is a Board member with Bridge to Türkiye Fund Canada.
We also offer heartfelt appreciation to Pelin Muharremoglu who not only continues to serve as our Board Treasurer, but stepped up in the last two years to lead and organize our financial operations. Her steady hand and commitment brought structure, clarity, and accountability to this critical area, and her work has laid a strong foundation for the path ahead.
“The Board of Directors is pleased to have Deniz join us in this new role,” shared Gonca Soysal, Vice President of the Board, “She is already partnering closely with the Board and our committee members to align our strategic priorities, introduce best practices, and elevate our fundraising and marketing efforts.”
Though she now calls Portland, Oregon home, Deniz brings a global perspective to her work and believes deeply in the power of global giving and diaspora-led philanthropy. Her vision is to deepen donor engagement and relations, strengthen Bridge to Turkiye’s role as a connector across the U.S. and Türkiye, building stronger partnerships in the U.S. and globally, deeper collaboration with peer organizations and NGOs, and empowering the next generation to further Bridge to Turkiye’s mission.
“We are entering a new chapter at Bridge to Turkiye Fund, one where our impact grows, our network strengthens, and our community of supporters continues to show what’s possible when passion and purpose come together,” said Deniz. “I’m honored to be part of this journey with all of you.”
Please join us in giving a heartfelt welcome to Deniz Taşdemiroğlu Conger. The Board of Directors look forward to introducing her to our vibrant, growing circle of supporters in the coming months.
