Our Team

Sam Alaverdov brings a rare and invaluable perspective to his role as Executive Director — one forged across two worlds. Born and educated in the Soviet Union, Mr. Alaverdov developed a profound firsthand understanding of Eastern European society, culture, and the systemic challenges facing post-Soviet nations. His immigration to the United States with his family marked not an escape from his roots, but the beginning of a lifelong mission to bridge two worlds.

Having witnessed both the limitations of Soviet-era governance and the boundless opportunity that defines American society, Mr. Alaverdov channels this dual experience into purposeful, ground-level change. His work is driven by a singular vision: to see Moldova achieve the same level of prosperity, civic freedom, and opportunity that the United States represents — not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived, attainable reality for everyday citizens.

His commitment to Moldova's people goes beyond advocacy. Sam previously founded and operated a successful manufacturing business in Moldova, creating meaningful local employment and demonstrating firsthand that economic opportunity can flourish in the region when driven by strong leadership and genuine investment in people.

Throughout his career, Sam has been deeply embedded in the social sector, collaborating with community organizations, civil society groups, and grassroots initiatives to build stronger, more resilient communities. His ability to connect with people across cultural, generational, and political lines is widely regarded as one of his greatest strengths — someone who listens as much as he leads, and whose warmth and authenticity inspire trust at every level.

Anatoli Korepanov is a public policy and international cooperation expert with more than 20 years of experience spanning government, parliament, academia, and civil society. He has held senior analytical and coordination roles in public institutions, where he supported policy development, international engagement, strategic planning, and interagency cooperation.

Over the course of his career, he has managed complex institutional initiatives, worked closely with governmental stakeholders, international organizations, and development partners, and contributed to the design and implementation of strategic programs at national and international levels. His professional background includes legislative and policy analysis, program management, stakeholder coordination, international representation, and the organization of high-level meetings, consultations, and exchange-oriented activities.

In addition to his public sector and policy experience, Anatoli has led civil society initiatives focused on education, development, and international partnership-building. He is recognized for his ability to connect policy vision with practical implementation, build trusted relationships across sectors, and ensure the smooth and effective delivery of complex programs.

His experience and skills make him well positioned to help advance Moldova–U.S. relations through effective program delivery, stakeholder engagement, and the development of meaningful institutional and people-to-people cooperation.

Galina Alaverdova brings an uncommon combination of medical expertise and genuine community devotion to her role as Communications Coordinator. Holding a medical degree, she approaches her work with both analytical precision and deep human empathy — understanding not just how to reach people, but what they truly need to hear.

Her love for people is not a professional asset — it is simply who she is. Galina is naturally warm, approachable, and deeply invested in the wellbeing of those around her, qualities that make her an instinctively effective communicator and a trusted voice within the communities the organization serves.

Driven by a clear personal vision, she is committed to designing and promoting projects that create tangible improvements in people's daily lives — translating the organization's mission into messages and initiatives that inspire real action and lasting change.

Olga Connochia is a dedicated and highly capable Operations Manager whose diverse background and multilingual abilities make her an exceptional asset to the organization. Holding a degree in education, Olga brings structure, clarity, and a people-first approach to everything she manages — ensuring that the organization's programs and initiatives run with precision and purpose.

Her passion for children's programs runs deep and personal. Olga believes that investing in the youngest members of a community is the most powerful path to lasting societal change, and she channels this conviction into every project she oversees.

Fluent in three languages, Olga bridges cultural and linguistic gaps with ease — strengthening the organization's reach, deepening community relationships, and ensuring that no voice goes unheard regardless of background.

Organized, driven, and genuinely invested in the mission, Olga Connochia is the operational backbone that allows the organization's vision to become reality on the ground.

Elena Jocie brings a rare blend of academic rigor and practical vision to her role in Program Development. A graduate of Rutgers University and Baruch College, her educational foundation spans both the humanities and the applied sciences of business and public administration — equipping her with the analytical tools and strategic mindset needed to design programs that are both impactful and sustainable.

At the US Moldova Initiative, Elena leads the development and structuring of programs that advance the organization's mission on the ground. Her work encompasses the full arc of program development — from initial concept and design through to funding strategy and implementation — ensuring that each initiative is grounded in real need and positioned for lasting impact.

With a deep interest in international relations, Elena understands the nuanced dynamics that shape cooperation between nations. She approaches each program as an opportunity to build genuine, people-centered exchange — connecting the right partners, resources, and ideas across the Atlantic.

Her experience in fundraising and grants gives her the ability to translate vision into viable, funded initiatives — securing the support necessary to bring meaningful programs to life and sustain them over time. Elena is committed to building a stronger, more connected future between the United States and Moldova, one program at a time.