Board of Governors

Lorik Fejzullahu is a corporate and project finance specialist with extensive experience across both the public and private sectors. He has a strong track record in Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), infrastructure development, and renewable energy, having led and delivered major PPP transactions valued at over €1 billion. His work includes landmark projects such as the Prishtina International Airport PPP and the Kosova e Re 500MW power plant project, while also contributing to the development of Kosovo’s legal and institutional framework for PPPs. In the private sector, Mr. Fejzullahu previously served as CEO of Eco Park, where he led strategic expansion, business development, and the implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects across the region. He currently serves as CEO of Birra Peja USA, where he is responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy and expanding Birra Peja’s presence in the U.S. market and beyond, with a focus on operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and long-term brand development

Raif Gashi is the founder and CEO of Lab Oil, a leading company in the trade of hydrocarbon derivatives, and the single largest individual importer of U.S. goods into Kosovo, responsible for over 50% of the total volume of imports from the United States. Under his leadership, Lab Oil has rapidly grown into one of Kosovo’s top five companies by market size and one of the country’s largest taxpayers. Specializing in the import and trade of products such as diesel, gasoline, bitumen, fuel oil, and petroleum coke, the company has established itself as a key driver of U.S.–Kosovo economic ties. For its strategic role in trade and commerce, Lab Oil has received numerous awards and recognitions, including an award from the President of the Republic of Kosovo (February 17, 2018), and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo.

Dren Deva moved to New York at the age of 11 during the Kosovo war. He holds a dual degree in Finance and Marketing from Hofstra University in New York. Dren is an Albanian-American entrepreneur with extensive experience building and scaling businesses across the United States and Kosovo. His work spans media, technology, e-commerce, digital marketing, and public relations, with a strong focus on diaspora-driven platforms and cross-border growth. In 2008, Dren founded FASTV Inc., the first ethnic Balkan IPTV/OTT (Over-the-Top) platform in North America. FASTV enables the Balkan diaspora to watch live television from their home countries, access video-on-demand content, and advanced streaming features. Today, FASTV is one of the most recognized and respected Balkan IPTV platforms in the United States, serving a large share of the Balkan population across North America. In 2017, Dren launched FreshAlb, the first online Albanian supermarket dedicated to the diaspora, offering authentic Albanian and European groceries delivered throughout the United States and Canada through a seamless digital experience. Dren’s companies are consolidated under TechFusion Ventures, a holding and venture platform that oversees his core businesses as well as additional companies focused on digital marketing, public relations, and growth-driven media services, including PixelBull, Interplay Labs, and ContentWiz. From 2022 to 2024, Dren served on the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo (AmCham Kosovo), contributing to initiatives that strengthen U.S.–Kosovo business relations and private-sector development.

Shkendije Himaj is an executive-level finance and economic development professional with over 25 years of experience spanning central banking, financial sector reform, investment promotion, access to finance, and academia in Kosovo, Canada and Ljubljana. She has held senior leadership and advisory roles across public institutions, international development programs, and the private sector, with a strong track record in governance, market development, and institutional reform. Over two and half decades, Shkendije Himaj served several capacities in Canada, followed by senior management positions at the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), where she supervised key functions including financial stability, risk management, banking and insurance supervision, legal affairs, international relations, and budget and finance. She chaired the Macroprudential Supervision Committee, led the establishment of the Deposit Insurance Fund of Kosovo, and served as Chair of its Management Board. She also coordinated major World Bank, USAID, EBRD, KFW and donor-funded financial sector reform initiatives, including FSAP-related development components and the creation of the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund. More recently, Shkendije Himaj served as Diversified Finance Lead for the USAID Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity, where she led the design of tailored intervention programs to strengthen Kosovo’s financial ecosystem. Her work focused on expanding diversified financing instruments, introducing innovative financial products, and pioneering the adoption of Kosovo’s first concept document for developing the legal framework supporting capital market development. She is currently the Founder and CEO of Finance in Action, advising financial institutions, development partners, and policymakers on investability readiness, alternative finance, capital markets, and private sector growth. Shkendije Himaj holds an MBA from the University of Prishtina and is a PhD candidate at the University of Ljubljana. She is an active board member and mentor, contributing to U.S.–Kosovo partnerships, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic development.

Rama Muhammed serves as the ESTH and commercial officer at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina. In her role as an economic officer at Embassy Pristina, she represents the Ambassador as an ex officio board member of the American Chamber of Commerce. She serves as the embassy’s labor officer covering labor unions and the role of unions in the economy and society and also engages with the technology sector. She promotes opportunities for gender inclusion to expand women’s labor force participation within the private sector. She has previous experience at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan. Rama has a bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s degree in nternational affairs from the Johns Hopkins SAIS. She was born and raised in New York City.

Teuta Sahatqija has over 30 years of experience in public service, diplomacy, technology, and business consultancy. Her expertise includes digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. She is the Founder and CEO of TDS Consulting, a firm focused on outsourcing, digital consultancy, and business development for international markets. She also leads Women in Tech Kosovo, advocating for gender equality and innovation in the technology sector. Her career includes serving as a Member of Parliament, Ambassador, and Consul General of Kosovo in New York. She was also Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, where she played a key role in shaping national and international policies and strengthening Kosovo’s global partnerships. In recent years, she has worked on training businesses and individuals to integrate AI-driven solutions and supporting the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises. She has held leadership roles such as Chair of the Women Parliamentary Cross-Party Caucus, where she launched initiatives like the ‘Week of Women’ and the ‘Leadership Academy’, fostering collaboration and promoting women’s empowerment. As Ambassador and Consul General of Kosovo in New York, she represented Kosovo internationally, advocating for partnerships and investments. At Women in Tech Kosovo, she leads programs that provide training, workshops, and networking opportunities for women in technology. Through TDS Consulting, she helps businesses navigate digital transformation, develop business strategies, and expand into international markets. Her experience in both the public and private sectors has equipped her with the ability to lead teams, implement change, and achieve results.

As the CEO & Co-Founder of Kutia, Arianit is responsible for leading the company and executing its mission to serve its customers. He is a board member of Beetroot Academy in Kosovo and a startup investor. Arianit is passionate about both growth and leadership and is directing his many abilities toward making Kutia the leading company in the region. To his role, Arianit brings a decade of experience in management, software development, and leadership. Before starting Kutia, he was a software engineer. He continued his career at TopTal.com – a platform that contains only 3% of developers in the world. From 2013 until today, Kutia has provided digital solutions for local and international clients of various industries, having in their portfolio clients, startups, and companies who have earned millions of dollars from various forms of investment. Arianit is certified as a Digital Transformation Expert and a Scrum Master. He has also invested in: Beetroot Academy Kosovo, Intensive IT-courses GaGa Këngë për fëmijë, an education platform (a YouTube channel) for kids, that promotes learning the Albanian language through songs. Muza Rugs, is an initiative of Muza Interior company to produce rugs with Albanian motive.

Pleurat Hundozi is an experienced professional with a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the private sector and public institutions across Kosovo, Germany, North Macedonia, and the United States. His expertise initially centered on finance, where he worked as an accountant, banker, and public financial management advisor before transitioning to private sector development. For over 17 years, he has been an integral part of Crimson Capital, a U.S.-owned international development company with strong ties to Kosovo. As part of Crimson Capital’s management team, he has led new business development activities for over 15 years, contributing to economic development and directly engaging with key industries in Kosovo. Beyond his role at Crimson Capital, Pleurat has actively invested in multiple companies, gaining valuable experience in the IT, real estate, and energy sectors. He also serves on the oversight bodies of two companies in real estate and energy. His extensive project management experience includes overseeing and facilitating EU- and USAID-funded projects across three continents.

Born in Peja and graduated in Economics and Law. Working experience in both the Governmental (Kosovo Customs Service) and Private sectors. Founder of “D-Consulting” – Consulting company. Currently, full-time engagement in “Devolli Corporation” in the position of General Director and Member of the Managing Board.

Lorent Gordi is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in sales and marketing, external affairs, and general management. His career has been primarily focused on the markets of Albania and Kosovo, where he has successfully led growth initiatives, cultivated strategic partnerships, and developed business strategies aligned with both local market dynamics and broader corporate objectives. Currently serving as General Manager of PMI for Albania and Kosovo, he has led the company through a period of significant transformation and growth. Under his leadership, the organization has navigated complex market challenges, implemented innovative strategies, and fostered a culture of collaboration and accountability, resulting in a highly motivated workforce and measurable business improvements. Lorent has also been actively engaged with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Albania and Kosovo, serving multiple terms on the board. His deep understanding of the business landscape and commitment to advocacy have enabled him to represent and address the interests of the business community, fostering collaboration and championing initiatives that drive economic development.

Qendresa Smajli Gashi is a dynamic executive with a proven track record of leadership across multiple sectors, specializing in strategic growth, operational efficiency, and financial management. As the Chief Executive Officer of both Capital Company and Euro-Kont-R N.SH, she has successfully led strategic initiatives, fostered a culture of accountability, and navigated complex business environments to drive organizational success. Her expertise extends beyond executive leadership, with roles as an External Partner & Training Lecturer at Informatika Computers SHPK, where she has contributed to the development of training programs and knowledge-sharing in accounting and software. She also gained significant financial expertise as a Finance and Accounting Officer at Petrol Company and as an Audit Assistant at Etika N.SH, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy. With a strong background in team development, operational management, and financial integrity, Qendresa Smajli Gashi continues to be a driving force in business strategy and innovation, contributing valuable insights at the board level.

Shkumbin Mucolli is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in strategic growth, operational management, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has held key executive roles, including Director of Business Development, Head of Division, Senior Brand Manager, Chief Executive Officer, and General Manager. As Chief Executive Officer, Mucolli has successfully led organizations by setting and executing strategic goals, managing cross-functional teams, and driving business growth and sustainability. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring long-term success. With a proven track record in managing complex business environments, he continues to be a driving force in corporate development and strategic management.