AmCham Kazakhstan has officially opened the 2026 Board of Directors election cycle, beginning a transparent, member-driven process that upholds the organization’s strong governance standards. The Annual General Meeting on January 30, 2026 will mark the conclusion of the election period and the introduction of newly elected directors.

Role of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of nine senior executives from AmCham member companies. The board provides governance oversight, including supervision of the executive director, financial accountability, and strategic direction of the Chamber. Directors serve staggered two-year terms to ensure continuity and institutional knowledge. There are no term limits.

In 2026, four seats are open. Two seats are currently vacant and two directors with terms expiring in 2026 are standing for re-election.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

A strong board reflects diversity in executive experience, gender, citizenship, and professional background. Ideal candidates bring senior-level expertise in finance, law, strategic planning, advocacy, or fundraising.

Board service requires a commitment of about 2 to 6 hours per month. Directors are expected to attend regular meetings, preferably in person, contribute subject-matter expertise, support AmCham’s advocacy agenda, and promote the Chamber within their professional networks to help expand membership and partnerships. Only one representative per member company may serve on the board at a time.

2026 Seats and Current Board Composition

Seats up for election (Term 2024–2026)

• Dana Inkarbekova, PwC
• Adilet Nazarbayev, Johnson and Johnson
• One vacant seat
• One vacant seat

Not up for election (Term 2025–2027)

• Paul Cohn, EY
• Bela Ferenczi, GE
• Saule Zhakayeva, Citibank
• Dmitry Kozenkov, Pfizer
• Dylan Morgan, Chevron

Non-voting board member

• Andrew Glass, U.S. Commercial Service

Election Timeline

• November 21, 2025: Call for nominations
• December 20, 2025: Deadline for nominations
• January 15, 2026, 17:30–19:00: Online candidate forum; ballots issued
• January 16–30, 2026: Voting period
• January 30, 2026, 18:30–19:30: Annual General Meeting and vote count, followed by a reception

At the AGM, ballots will be counted in full public view, and elected candidates will assume their positions immediately.

Nomination Process

Nominations are open to representatives of AmCham member companies. Individuals may nominate themselves or other eligible candidates. If more than one nominee comes from the same company, the executive director will request that the company select a single candidate. All nominees submit their CVs and written responses to two questions:

1. What makes you a good candidate for the board?
2. What will you contribute to the board?

These materials are shared with all voting members ahead of the election.

Voting Procedures

Per the bylaws, corporate members have three votes and individual members have one vote. Only members in good standing may vote. A one-month grace period applies, and members who state their intention to pay dues may vote.

Ballots allow members to vote for up to the number of open seats. For 2026, voters may choose up to four candidates.

How to Vote

Members may vote:

• Electronically by sending a signed ballot to info@amcham.kz
• In advance, by submitting a hard copy at the AmCham office
• At the AGM, where ballots will be available onsite

Each ballot is validated with the official AmCham stamp. Ballots exceeding a company’s allotted votes are marked invalid.

Counting, Oversight, and Dispute Resolution

The vote count takes place during the AGM, in full view of attending members. Only stamped ballots are counted. Ballots are marked after counting and preserved for at least one year.

Members may observe or request a physical recount. Spoiled ballots are set aside and reviewed only if needed to break a tie. Any procedural issues are resolved by the incumbent board members present.

Detailed procedures can be found here