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Sergiu Panainte is the deputy director of the Black Sea Trust (BST), overseeing the strategic and operational implementation of BST’s grantmaking and capacity building activities across the Black Sea region. He is responsible for conceptualizing and leading programs, engaging with major donors and stakeholders, and managing a diverse team to foster regional cooperation and development. 

Panainte is a seasoned professional in the field of international relations, grant management, and democracy, with a focus on the Black Sea basin and administration of programs that support civil society, media, human rights, and democratic development. His expertise also extends to monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

Fluent in Romanian, English, and Russian, Panainte holds master’s degrees in international relations and European studies from Central European University in Budapest and in international relations from Moldova State University. His scholarly work includes several publications focused on regional politics and EU relations.

Julia Pallanch is senior program coordinator for GMF’s Indo-Pacific Program. Based in Berlin, her portfolio concerns the management of operations including the Stockholm China Forum, and Young Strategists Forum.

Prior to joining GMF, Pallanch received training as externalist (foreign policy expert) at the EU delegation in Beijing and supported the European Council on Foreign Relations’ Asia program in Berlin. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sinology from Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Italy, and is finalizing a master’s degree in modern East Asian studies at the University Duisburg-Essen, where she specializes in Chinese foreign policy and EU-China relations.

Pallanch speaks fluent Italian, English, and Slovak, and is proficient in Mandarin Chinese and German.

Binola Mehtaji is GMF’s director, people strategy.

Kate McCarry is GMF’s senior advisor, people strategys. She develops strategies and directs talent management for the organization, including its seven European offices. A generalist by practice, she has expertise in employee relations, organizational development, executive coaching, and recruitment. She is committed to establishing an environment in which GMF staff feel recognized, challenged, appreciated, and fairly compensated.

Prior to joining GMF, McCarry directed human resources programs and services at the National Association of REALTORS. She also served as the chief human resources officer at the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, the American Councils for International Education, and Counterpart International, and worked as an independent consultant for nonprofits and associations.

McCarry holds a master’s degree in human resource development from American University and a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the Pennsylvania State University.

Nicola Lightner is GMF’s Vice President, Operations. She oversees all operational activities of the organization and ensures collaboration among GMF’s Washington, DC headquarters and its seven European offices. She provides the leadership, management, and vision that ensures GMF has the proper operational and accountable systems, tools, controls, administrative and reporting structures, and people systems to function well.  

Lightner joined GMF in 2004 and has held various positions supporting the organization’s work on transatlantic trade and economic policies. In 2012, she became the director of GMF’s strategic convening team, overseeing the execution of GMF’s flagship conference, Brussels Forum, and coordinating other major organizational events.