Board members

Jay Tkachuk is a chairman of Ukrainian American House. Outside of the UA House, Jay's most recent role was that of a Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Golden 1 Credit Union, to which he brought 15 years of experience in leading digital strategy, user experience, and innovation in financial services. He led the credit union’s Digital organization and championed digital transformation efforts. Jay holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas McCombs School of Business and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Vlad Skots is the founder and co-chair of the Ukrainian American House. He is also the President for Usko Express Inc. Originally from Ukraine, Vlad brings decades of experience in business, advocacy, international relations and leadership to UA House.

Maryna Smishko, previously the Program Director of Ukrainian American House, is a valuable asset to the organization, offering expertise in community social relations, grants, immigrant aid, and various social aid programs. As Program Director, she played an important role in developing and implementing initiatives that address the needs of diverse communities and facilitate positive social change.

U.S. Army Major General David S. Baldwin served as the Adjutant General of the California National Guard and served in the California National Guard for four decades. General Baldwin has over 30 years of experience working with the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Security Services gathered by participating in and helping to develop the long relationship between Ukraine and the California National Guard under the State Partnership Program.

Roman Sheremeta, Ph.D., is a founding rector of American University Kyiv, and a professor of economics at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Igor Vayner is the Executive Chairman of Solvd Inc., a global digital engineering company specializing in AI-powered software engineering, and digital transformation.

Board member Dynamic leader of the SOL Church and one of the prominent spiritual leaders of the Ukrainian community in the Sacramento metropolitan area.

Ukrainian diplomat, currently serving as Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco (Consular district including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington State, and Wyoming). Kushneruk holds the diplomatic rank of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Envoy First class.

Former US Special Envoy for Ukraine, American diplomat who served as George W. Bush's last U.S. Ambassador to NATO. Later he served as executive director of the McCain Institute for International Leadership and in a volunteer capacity as Donald J. Trump's U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine until his resignation on September 27, 2019.

Ukrainian singer, actress, songwriter, television presenter, founder of The Tina Karol charitable foundation. In 2017, Karol was given the honor of "People's Artist of Ukraine".

American economist and professor of business economics and law at Chapman University. Along with Daniel Kahneman, Smith shared the 2002 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to behavioral economics and his work in the field of experimental economics. Smith is the founder and president of the International Foundation for Research in Experimental Economics, a Member of the Board of Advisors for The Independent Institute, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington D.C.

An award-winning educator, Candace’s aim in teaching was to inspire students’ confidence in their own abilities. Candace served as Vice-President and President’s Assistant of the International Foundation forResearch in Experimental Economics until IFREE’s sunset in 2022. Currently, she serves on the Vernon L. Smith Experimental Economics Education Fund as an Advisory Board Member at the Alaska Community Foundation.

As Program Director, Maryna plays a key role in developing and implementing initiatives that address the needs of diverse communities and promote positive social change. With a strong background in leadership and community engagement, she oversees programs that support newcomers in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and family services. Maryna also works closely with local partners, volunteers, and government agencies to expand access to essential resources and strengthen community connections. Her dedication to empowering individuals and fostering collaboration has made her an inspiring leader within Ukrainian American House and beyond.

Julia serves as our Event Coordinator and Peer-to-Peer Counselor, leading programs focused on mental health and community well-being. With a strong commitment to supporting emotional resilience and social connection, she organizes events that bring people together, promote open dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging. Through her peer-to-peer counseling work, Julia provides compassionate guidance and support to individuals navigating life transitions and challenges. Her warmth, empathy, and organizational skills make her an essential part of our team and a trusted resource within the community.

Alina serves as our Education Program Coordinator, bringing extensive experience in community education and youth development. Originally from Ukraine, she supports newcomers by organizing educational programs and workshops that help children and adults adapt to the U.S. education system. Alina also collaborates with local schools and volunteers to provide language support, academic guidance, and cultural integration opportunities. Her dedication to helping families succeed through education makes her an invaluable member of our team and community.

Diana serves as a Case Worker with the SUPPORT4U program, bringing extensive experience in client services and community engagement. Originally from Ukraine, she helps newcomers navigate life in California by connecting them to housing, employment, education, and public benefits. Diana also provides personalized guidance on healthcare, mental wellness, and community resources to ensure successful resettlement. Her empathy, dedication and commitment to helping others continue to strengthen the UA House mission and positively impact the lives of those she serves.

Tim serves as our Community Health Outreach Organizer, bringing extensive experience in public engagement and support services. Originally from Ukraine, he helps newcomers navigate settling in California, focusing on disaster preparedness, legal documentation, and community connection. Tim also educates refugees on mental health, the healthcare system, and supports their resettlement. His dedication to empowering the community makes a significant impact across our organization.

Committed and mission-driven professional whose extensive experience spans education, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. She holds a BA in Teaching from Kyiv T. Shevchenko University, a BA in Social Sciences from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Education from Merrimack College. Her unwavering commitment to service and social equity inspired her transition from refugee resettlement and advocacy to higher education, where she thrived in managing the academic department at the University of New Hampshire. Subsequently, she played a key role in coordinating new student recruitment surpassing enrollment goals, while cultivating valuable partnerships with local business employers and community colleges. Currently, Olivia is channeling her expertise in development and grant writing to advance the mission of UA House. Through her work, she is dedicated to creating sustainable, positive change and fostering a thriving, supportive community for those she serves.

Nelli is an experienced staff accountant specializing in non-profit accounting. She manages accounts, budgets, and grants, ensuring financial transparency and compliance. Her skills in accounting software and data analysis contribute to the organization's stability and mission-driven goals.

Alex serves as both our Marketing Coordinator and Case Manager, combining strong communication skills with a deep commitment to community support. As Marketing Coordinator, he oversees the organization’s website and external communications, ensuring that UA House’s mission and programs are clearly presented to the public and partners. In his role as Case Manager, Alex assists clients through various stages of adaptation in the United States — from initial orientation to achieving self-sufficiency. His ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and guide them toward stability and independence makes him an essential part of our team and mission.