Position nominated for: Ordinary member

Member national association: Türkiye Hockey Federation

Position held at present in NA: International Relations and Events Coordinator

Present or past activities in sport at national level (NA/NOC): Mrs. Gizem Karaali Karadağ has played a key role in the development and international engagement of hockey in Türkiye through her position at the Turkish Hockey Federation since 2016. As the International Relations and Events Coordinator, she has been responsible for organizing national and international tournaments hosted in Türkiye, including EuroHockey Championships and development events.

She has led the planning and execution of event logistics, volunteer coordination, budget management, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with both national and international standards. She also serves as the coordinator for European Commission-funded projects on behalf of the federation, further enhancing the capacity of the national association through strategic project development.

Moreover, Gizem has been actively involved in implementing the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System within the federation, contributing to institutional development and operational efficiency. Her efforts have strengthened the Federation’s structure and increased its visibility and credibility at both the national and European levels.

Submitted reasons why the candidate is considered suitable for the position: Mrs. Gizem Karaali Karadağ brings over eight years of high-level experience in international relations, event management, and strategic project coordination within the hockey world. She has been a key figure at the Turkish Hockey Federation since 2016, leading numerous international events and EU-funded sports projects. Her leadership in events such as multiple EuroHockey Championships and her role as Coordinator for Erasmus+ and European Commission projects demonstrates her ability to operate effectively across borders and cultures.

Gizem is also an active member of the EuroHockey Development Committee since 2017, where she contributes to advancing gender equality in sport and the development of coaching and umpiring programs across Europe. Her educational background in Marketing (MSc – Kingston University, London) and Business Administration (BSc – Atılım University) further strengthens her strategic thinking and communication abilities.

With a proven record of building partnerships, leading cross-functional teams, and promoting inclusive sport initiatives, Gizem is exceptionally well-suited for a position on the Executive Board. She combines practical event experience, governance insight, and a vision for growing hockey at all levels.

Professional or other qualifications: Mrs. Gizem Karaali Karadağ holds a Master of Science degree in Marketing from Kingston University, London, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Management (Business Administration) from Atılım University, Ankara, Türkiye.

In addition to her academic background, she has received specialized training in international sports event management, including participation in the FIH Event Specialist Workshop held in Switzerland in 2018. She has also developed extensive expertise in coordinating Erasmus+ and European Commission sports projects, with proven skills in proposal writing, project execution, and stakeholder engagement.

Her professional qualifications also include experience in implementing the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ensuring quality assurance and operational excellence within the Turkish Hockey Federation.

These combined qualifications have equipped her with a strong foundation in leadership, strategic planning, and international collaboration—essential competencies for her role in sports administration.

Gender: Female