Since our founding in 2000, Turkish American Cultural Society of Rhode Island has developed and grown in a positive direction. We’re very proud of the diversity of our staff, and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success. Find out more about some of our team members below.

MELIH
Director
Melih Bektas was born in Istanbul/Turkey.
He graduated from Yildiz Technical University majored in Mechanical Engineering.
He attended and received his MBA degree from Johnson and Wales back in 2007.
After finishing his degree he had worked in Monarch Industries as an mechanical engineer and then he started his own company.
He is a business owner and an investor. He has a pizza restaurant and construction company. Also he is a registered contractor and specializes in deck building.
He is currently involved with local politics and trying to engage the members of Turkish-American community with them.Â
He had served as TACSRI President between 2019-2021. He has been a member of the TACSRI board since 2017.
Currently he is the Representative of Turkish American Steering Committee of Rhode Island and working on projects that bring communities together.

Mehmet
Board Member
Mehmet became a member of TACSRI in 2021 and is eager to connect with current and incoming students on behalf of the organization. He is a proud holder of a Master's degree from NJIT, He is excited to share his knowledge and experiences with the TACSRI community. He is pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Rhode Island and remains dedicated to making meaningful contributions to TACSRI.
Erensoy
Board Member
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
