Our Board
Lucie M. Kwon - President
Erol Akyurek - 1st Vice President
Ibrahim Duman - 2nd Vice President
George Schwertl - 1st Treasurer
Evan Chen - 2nd Treasurer
Megan O'Donnell - Corresponding Secretary
Angelica Rivera - Recording Secretary
Thomas Cleere - Of Counsel
Lucie M. Kwon is a career prosecutor, serving as Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for over twenty years. Lucie distinctively serves as the first Asian American Bureau Chief in Suffolk County. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a Juris Doctorate from the Cardozo School of Law.
Lucie M. Kwon
President of the Board
Erol owns Erols Plumbing and Heating, serving Suffolk and Nassau County since 2002. Over the years, he has accumulated multiple real estate properties.
In March 2019, Erol started a nonprofit organization, the New York Turkish American Center, based in Amityville, New York, where kids from ages 5-13 can learn the Turkish language, culture, and music.
Erol Akyurek
1st Vice President
Ibrahim emigrated from Turkiye (Turkey) to the U.S., and like many immigrants, he worked several jobs, eventually opening up and owning two auto body repair shops. He is grateful for the opportunities the U.S., offered him. In return, he selflessly serves his community through different organizations, including his local mosque, and the NY Turkish American Center. Ibrahim resides with his wife and two children.
Ibrahim Duman
2nd Vice President
George Schwertl currently serves as the Deputy Highway Superintendent in the Town of Huntington, and the Vice Chair of the Suffolk County Conservative Party for both the County and the Town of Huntington. George is a business owner and a community advocate, championing equity and justice for all members of the community. George is a 2023 Schneps Media Powerlist honoree.
George Schwertl
1st Treasurer
Evan is an entrepreneur by profession and community advocate by passion. Evan entered the restaurant and hospitality industry through an established family business. He has managed to elevated the family business by blending traditional ethics with modern methods.
Evan generously donates his resourses and finances to many organizations and events in the community. He is an unwavering advocate for the AAPI community.
Evan F. Chen
2nd Treasurer
Megan O’Donnell serves as an Executive Assistant District Attorney, working for the Hon. Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney for Suffolk County, New York. Ms. O’Donnell currently works as a Division Chief overseeing the Criminal Investigations Division and the District Court - Intake Division. Ms. O’Donnell is a seasoned attorney with over twenty-five years of experience. Ms. O’Donnell received her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and received her Juris Doctor from Hofstra University, School of Law.
Megan O’Donnell
Corresponding Secretary
Angelica Huynh Rivera is a Vietnamese-American who immigrated to the U.S. While growing up in Queens, NY, she persevered through many challenges, which motivated her to advocate for underrepresented groups and work with organizations that support the Asian American communities providing educational and life-long learning opportunities.
Angelica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Queens College and a Masters in Human Resources and Labor Relations from the New York Institute of Technology.
Angelica Rivera
Recording Secretary
Thomas Cleere is a Managing Attorney at Cellino Law located in Melville, New York. Additionally, he served as a prosecutor in the Suffolk District Attorney’s offices and is a retired Army Captain in the United States Army and is an Iraq Veteran. During his time with the military, Thomas received several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal. Thomas is a lifelong New Yorker, and is a tireless advocate for the community and continues to dedicate himself to serve and protect.
Thomas Cleere
Of Counsel