Governance
Governance bodies of the Bishkek International School include:
Governing Board
As a community school, BIS offers a number of opportunities to get involved and help shape the future of this unique institution in the Kyrgyz Republic. Becoming a member of the Governing Board gives persons with an interest in education the chance to influence the direction of BIS and thereby have positive impact on the overall development of education in the region.
As Board members with diverse cultural backgrounds we bring an abundance of experience into an international group of seasoned professionals, all sharing a passion for a school that takes responsibility for creating lasting value to its surroundings. We work together to ensure the best possible conditions for the school management to deliver high quality education and offer an engaging and inclusive working environment for all staff.
We welcome your suggestions to continue developing BIS as the best international school in Central Asia!
Fred Huston, Chair of the Governing Board
Fred Huston brings a broad array of experience to BIS. He is a licensed attorney from the State of Colorado (USA) and has lived and worked in Bishkek for 26years. He is fluent in Russian and has worked at the highest government levels in Kyrgyzstan – as an advisor in the Legal Department of the KR President. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, College of Law in 1980 and also has degrees in Geology and Russian from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Mr. Huston is currently the Chief of Party of the USAID Ukuk Bulagy Project, a people-centered Rule of Law project in Kyrgyzstan that is aimed at improving justice for all. Mr. Huston represents East-West Management Institute, USAID’s implementing partner in the project that works directly and closely with many non-governmental and governmental organizations.
Elected by BIS Staff to serve on the GB until October 2026.
Daniar Amanaliev
Daniar Amanaliev is the co-founder of “Ololo” group, “KG Analytics” intellectual fund and Association of
Creative Industries. He has been a strong supporter of the BIS idea since the first day and has always
provided advice and support to BIS in an informal capacity when requested. He is the father of two
current BIS students and one BIS alumni. Daniar was first elected to the Governing Board in October
2013.
Elected by the Advisory Council to serve on the GB until October 2026.
Lance Tillman
Lance Tillman has over 25 years of working experience in education field. Six years of teaching in community colleges and universities in the US preceded a move to Kyrgyzstan in 2006, when he joined the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), leading the American Studies Department and also serving on Curriculum, Building, and Academic Committees. Later he moved into school education, including some time teaching at BIS, while also teaching at the OSCE Academy and the International University in Central Asia. He believes in the importance of educators being represented in governing bodies and supported in their mission to provide the best education for students in their care. He has confidence that BIS offers the best school education in Central Asia due to the dedication of its staff and that BIS can be even more influential throughout the region.
Elected by BIS Staff to serve on the GB until October 2027.
Afef Tlili
Afef Tlili has worked for over 20 years in international cooperation, with several technical and financial partners, and particularly deals with people centred development approaches based on human rights, inclusion and capacity building for all. Education has been a pillar topic in many of the projects she has been involved in, especially with the Dutch Organisation for Internalisation in Education NUFFIC and Global Education Futures. Ms. Tlili has been called to build and manage several education programs aiming at improving education policies, innovative learning processes and didactics impact evaluation. With the World Bank, she conducted several studies on STEM education at different learning stages, with a focus on women talent pool development on STEM, and potential employability. Ms Tlili is the mother of two children in BIS, one in Preschool and one in Primary School.
Elected by the Parents Association to serve on the GB until October 2026.
Nikita Ryjih
Nikita Ryjih is the CEO / co-founder of EFIS Products, Inc operating under the brand ‘FitJab’, and the CEO / co- founder of Family Distribution LLC. He has worked in top management positions for over 12 years in different countries, including USA, Ukraine and the Kyrgyz Republic, where has been successful in planning and implementing change in diverse communities in order to reach strategic goals, while maintaining current operations and delivering excellent services. Mr Ryjih has two children in BIS Primary School.
Elected by the Advisory Council to serve on the GB until October 2027.
Nazira Tursalieva
Nazira Tursalieva has been part of the BIS community since 2017 as a parent of four children, including two graduates, one in high school, and one in middle school. She holds a Bachelor degree in Sociology and an MBA. Having spent 16 years living abroad, she has applied her knowledge and experience to raising her children and developed a strong passion for children’s well-being and success.
At BIS, Nazira has served as Vice President of PAMC (2017–2019), Alumni Officer (2019–2024), and College & University Counselor (2022–2024). These roles provided her with extensive experience in fostering parent–school collaboration, maintaining alumni connections, and supporting students in higher-education planning. She is committed to helping BIS continue to grow as a supportive and inspiring environment for every student.
JJ Gurga
JJ Gurga, originally from the UK, has been living in Bishkek for the past three years and has a son in Grade 7 at BIS. She is a qualified teacher with experience teaching Years 1–6 in UK schools. Before her teaching career, she completed a PhD at UCL on Ukrainian film and taught undergraduates at UCL, HSE St Petersburg, and Oxford. She also spent four years working in the UK Civil Service, where she gained experience in analysis, problem-solving, and navigating complex organisations. She is currently pursuing a long-held passion by studying for an undergraduate degree in art (painting).
JJ previously served as a school governor in London for three years and has more recently volunteered with the Parents’ Association, deepening her understanding of governance and the importance of strong partnerships between school leadership and families. She is motivated by a genuine commitment to education and a desire to contribute positively to the future of BIS.
Azamat Murzaliev
Azamat Murzaliev
With over two decades of senior leadership experience in finance, audit, and strategic management across leading international firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC, he has established a distinguished career characterized by integrity, precision, and strategic foresight. His professional background includes directing large-scale audit engagements, overseeing compliance and risk management frameworks, and implementing corporate governance systems for multinational clients. As Audit Director at Deloitte & Touche Central Asia and KPMG, he led teams in managing complex audits and ensuring regulatory adherence across diverse industries. As General Director of Alfa Telekom JSC, he held full P&L responsibility, guiding the company’s operational and financial performance through a period of organizational transformation. Since 2012, he has worked as a freelance consultant, providing strategic advisory services focused on operational efficiency, compliance, and sustainable growth. His experience reflects a deep understanding of financial stewardship, governance, and cross-functional leadership, developed through extensive work in both corporate and advisory capacities within international business environments.
Elected by BIS Staff to serve on the GB until October 2028
Elena Sanchez
Elena Sanchez
Elena Sanchez is an American diplomat who has lived in Bishkek for the past two years. She has over 10 years of experience in education and academic management in South Korea, India, Pakistan, and the United States. This experience includes ESL instruction, curriculum oversight, disability services management, and teacher and program management at embassies, universities, and private language schools. Additionally, Ms. Sanchez previously served on a Danish sports association board, where she managed COVID-19 health protocols across multiple international governing bodies.
Elected by the the Advisory Council to serve on the GB until October 2028
Parents Association
What is the Parents Association?
What is the Parents Association Management Committee?
Every parent and guardian of children enrolled at BIS is a member of the Parents’ Association (PA). There are no fees or obligations to join. We encourage every parent and guardian to attend school events and to be an active member of the BIS community, contributing in time, energy and donations when they are called for.
The Parents Association Management Committee (PAMC) is comprised of a group of dedicated parents that communicate often and meet regularly to plan our bi-annual “All Parents Meeting” and to organize school fundraising events. We meet quarterly with the Management Board (MB) in order to align objectives.
OBJECTIVE
We work closely with the school management, staff, and parents to continue the ongoing positive development of the school.
We particularly work towards:
- Welcoming new families to the school
- Organizing regular social and fundraising events
- Discussing issues raised by parents and how to solve them where possible, and
- Providing feedback and support to the school
Seetha Malik Kotadia – President of the Parents Association
Having lived abroad for the past sixteen years in countries like Egypt and Uganda, and now spending our third year here, my family have come to truly value the sense of connection and belonging that a strong school community provides. As a parent of two boys—one already working and Ruhaan in Grade 6—I understand how important it is for families to feel supported, included, and well-informed throughout their school journey. I would love the chance to represent parents and help ensure that everyone feels connected to the life of our school.
My background has given me skills that I believe would be very useful in this role. I have a degree in Business and a teaching diploma, and I worked as an HR professional for ten years, where listening, problem-solving, and communication were at the heart of my work. Later, I had the opportunity to serve as editor of an expat magazine called Oasis, which helped me learn how to bring people together by sharing stories, celebrating diversity, and highlighting community voices.
More than anything, I care about helping our school feel like a welcoming place for all families. I enjoy getting to know people, sharing experiences, and finding ways to bring parents and the school closer together. I believe that by working together, we can make our community even stronger, where every parent feels comfortable reaching out and every student feels supported. It would be a privilege for me to play a part in helping that happen.
Ainura Emilbekova – Vice-President of the Parents Association
My name is Ainura Emilbekova, and I am the mother of three children. My eldest daughter is studying in Singapore, majoring in Business Communication. My second daughter is in 12th grade, and my son is in 9th grade. We have been studying at Bishkek International School for three years now.
Previously, when my children attended the “Seitek Tunguch” school, I was the chair of the parent committee, and for my active involvement, I received a certificate of appreciation at the school’s 10th anniversary celebration.
Professionally, I worked for over 10 years as a communications specialist on World Bank projects in the Kyrgyz Republic, including developing a communication strategy for the Department of Water Supply. I hold two master’s degrees — one in Business Administration and the other in International Journalism. Currently, I work as a real estate agent.
As a Vice-President of the Parents Association, I would like to strengthen the cooperation between parents and the school, make the committee’s work transparent and beneficial for everyone, and support initiatives that contribute to the development and success of our children.
Manisha Sabuwala
Manisha Sabuwala, mother of Jia Sabuwala, grade 10. She is from Mumbai, India. Recently they shifted to Bishkek and so this is her 1st year at BIS.
Manisha has graduated in Ayurveda( B.A.M.S). She has a good teamwork spirit and is always enthusiastic to bring some changes which are good in her life and can help her family, friends and society at large.
Manisha believes no task is less or more and so tries to finish in her best possible way in the given timeframe. She is looking forward to working with the new President and her team.
Meerim Askarova
Meerim is a diplomat from Kyrgyzstan and has four children. She joined PAMC to establish effective cooperation and partnership between the school and parents.
Katariina Lensu
Katariina is originally from Finland, but has spent the last three decades living around the world.
Her family has lived in Bishkek for five years, and their children have attended BIS all this time. This year their children are in grades 7, 10 and 12.
Katariina volunteers at PAMC because the BIS school community is important to her.
Andrea Wilson
Andrea Wilson is a Canadian and proud parent of four children attending BIS in grades 4, 8, 9, and 10. Her family has enjoyed living internationally for several years, with their most recent chapter spent in Vietnam.
She is a lawyer by training and currently works in international development, focusing on higher education, vocational training, and human resource development projects in Vietnam. She is excited to bring both her personal experiences and professional expertise to the PAMC, where she aims to help build a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant community for BIS students and their families.
She looks forward to contributing and connecting with other parents as they support their children’s educational and extra-curricular journeys together.
Aigul Mamatkulova
Financial Specialist with international experience. Joined PAMC to support the school to achieve its mission and be a better place for the children.
Albina Yamada
Albina Yamada is a mother of three boys at Bishkek International School. She and her family lived in Japan for 12 years before moving to Kyrgyzstan. Albina was an active PTA member at Osaka International School in Japan and is now glad to bring her experience and global perspective to support the BIS community through the PAMC.
Dana Graham
Dana Graham is a Newborn and Family Photographer from the United States, with two children in Primary School at BIS. She joined the PAMC to help enhance communication between the teachers and parents, and encourage parental involvement within the school. Dana is excited to help the parents feel like they’re a part of the BIS community!
Aikanysh Akhmatova
Aikanysh is a mother of three wonderful children. She works in sales. Aikanysh is happy to help our children learn and develop in harmony and comfort!
Advisory Council
BIS Advisory Council represents permanent institutions in the Kyrgyz Republic with an interest in development of the school. The Council helps to set and maintain the ethos and direction of the school and has the right to elect three members of the Governing Board. It meets three or four times a year to discuss development of BIS, education issues in the Kyrgyz Republic and to elect members of the Governing Board. Regulations of the Advisory Council are available to download from the school website.
Membership of the Advisory Council is by invitation from the Advisory Council.
Embassy of France in Kyrgyzstan
Franco-Kyrgyz diplomatic relationships started when the French Foreign Minister Roland
Dumas visited Bishkek in 1992. Several main agreements, including friendship agreement,
cooperation agreement, investment promotion and protection agreement were signed in
1994 and the French Embassy was officially opened in 2010.
Nicolas Faye , Ambassador
Chair of the BIS Advisory Council
US Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic
The US Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic was officially opened on February 1, 1992. The U.S. Embassy represents the U.S. government and works on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, such as trade, commerce, economic development, democracy and governance, humanitarian assistance, health promotion and disease control, counternarcotics, and environmental protection.
Elena Sanchez, US Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic
Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic
Remi Duflot, Ambassador
American University of Central Asia (AUCA)
Founded in 1993, AUCA develops future leaders for the democratic transformation of
Central Asia. It is an international, multi-disciplinary learning community in the American
liberal arts tradition. AUCA is the first university in Central Asia to offer US accredited
degrees in liberal arts programs through a partnership with Bard College in the United
States.
Chingiz Shamshiev, AUCA Vice-President
British Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic
The British Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic was opened in March 2012. The embassy works with various projects on capacity building, election monitoring, conflict prevention and training for lawyers. The Embassy aims to develop and sustain the important bilateral relationship between the UK and the Kyrgyz Republic, supporting security, democratisation and prosperity
Oliver Fairlamb, Deputy Head of Mission
Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kyrgyzstan
The Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bishkek is a bilateral mission in
Kyrgyzstan and is involved in promoting Dutch interests in Kyrgyzstan. The Consulate also
plays an important role in the field of development cooperation and cultural affairs.
Jamilya Imankulova, Honorary Consul
Hyatt Regency Bishkek
The first and most established international five-star Hotel with 20 years of experience in
Bishkek. It is in a safe, quiet and central location right in the center of Bishkek’s business,
government and cultural district.
Stanisav Stojcic , General Manager
International Business Council (IBC)
IBC, founded in December 2000, has been contributing to the creation of an attractive
investment climate and economic development in Kyrgyzstan for over 20 years. There are
two main areas of IBC activity: 1) Promotion of favorable legislative initiatives for the
business environment and investment climate, the expression of voice of business in B2G
format and 2) creating a platform for cooperation, searching for investors, customers and
partners for companies and entrepreneurs in B2B format.
Askar Sydykov, Executive Director
International University of Central Asia (IUCA)
IUCA is a small university created according to an American model of higher education, with
the highest academic and ethical standards. Training programs create a real opportunity to
get higher education and to achieve a successful career. Graduates may receive a Kyrgyz
state diploma for a bachelor’s degree and an American-style diploma, which is recognized
around the world.
Camila Sharshekeeva, Provost.
Kyrgyz Concept
Kyrgyz Concept is one of the leading travel companies in Kyrgyzstan, renowned for providing a wide array of accessible and diverse travel options and events. Kyrgyz Concept offers air tickets, tours abroad, tourism along the Great Silk Road, organisation of conferences and training abroad. For 33 years the company has served more than 2,350,000 Clients. The company has offices in Bishkek, Osh, Almaty and Prague.
Emil Umetaliev, Co-Founder of Bishkek
International School, Founder of Kyrgyz
Concept
Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic is the central executive body
that conducts state policy and exercises management in the field of education and science
and state control over the availability and quality of education.
Olga Bryzgalova,
Chief Specialist of the Department of School and Out-of-School Education
Ololo
Ololo is a group of companies that combines the largest coworking spaces chain in Central Asia, John Galt business accelerator and Liberterra property management company, which aims to bring a community of creative professionals together and create a favorable atmosphere for them. The vision of the group is to build a city for digital nomads of Asia on Issyk Kul.
Daniar Amanaliev, Co-Founder and Band
master
ProKG Club
“ProKG” Professionals’ Club was formed in April 2009 by the initiative group of young
professionals. The mission is to create a platform that unites professionals who inspire and
guide young leaders. ProKG brings together high-class specialists with international
experience in areas such as business, investment, banking, medicine, public sector,
international economics, audit, IT and telecommunications.
Cholponbek Jumashukurov, Co-founder
Sierra Group
Sierra was opened in 2010 by Bradley Brenneman. Today it is considered as one of the best coffee chains in the city offering fresh roasted coffee, smoothies, soups, salads, sandwiches, muffins, burgers, steaks and Mexican food. Sierra is now franchising around the country and region.
Brad Brenneman, Founder.
Uulzhan Davletova (alternate
representative)
UNICEF
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund, working to protect and promote the rights of every child, everywhere. We work to ensure that the most vulnerable children receive all the basic services they need, including health care and immunization, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, child protection, emergency relief, and more.
Samman Jung Thapa, Country Director of UNICEF in Bishkek
Novotel Bishkek City Center
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Novotel Bishkek City Center offers a seamless blend of modern comfort and refined hospitality. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary rooms, versatile meeting spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the dynamic spirit of Bishkek.
Whether you’re here for work, relaxation, or discovery, Novotel Bishkek ensures a truly connected and comfortable stay in the city center
–
Embassy of Pakistan in Kyrgyz Republic
BIS Founders
BIS has twelve individuals recognised as Founders:
- Mark Witschi, Swiss citizen
- Emma Woodcock, British citizen
- Emil Umetaliev, Kyrgyz citizen
- David Grant, British citizen
- Andrew Lewis, British citizen
- Mike Atsoparthis, British citizen
- Umar Shavurov, Kyrgyz citizen
- Tolondu Toichubaev, Kyrgyz citizen
- Rysbek Toktogul, Kyrgyz citizen
- Jamilya Imankulova, Kyrgyz citizen
- Chinara MacDonald, Kyrgyz citizen
- Armando Ruano, US citizen
The first six Founders listed here are the legal Founders. The legal Founders have delegated most of their power to the Governing Board, as defined in the Charter. The legal Founders remaining role is to protect the integrity of the Charter, hence any changes to the Charter require approval by the legal Founders. If the legal Founders determine that the Governing Board is operating in contradiction to the Charter, or the overall vision and mission of the school, they may also dismiss the Governing Board, temporarily appoint an interim board and request new Governing Board elections by the electing bodies.