Chairwoman of the Honorary Council
PROFESSOR IRENA VEISAITE PRESIDENT VALDAS ADAMKUSGENERAL JONAS KRONKAITISDR. TOMAS VENCLOVA

• Born 1928 in Kaunas. MA in German Language and Literature at Lomonosov State University in Moscow and a PhD at the University of Leningrad. By profession she is a philologist and theatre critic. She has taught world literature and the history of theatre at the Vilnius Pedagogical University; she is the author of over 200 articles, the co-author of some textbooks, and the editor of books mainly connected with theatre. Professor Irena Veisaite has in 1990 together with Professor C. Kudaba initiated the Open Society Fund – Lithuania (OSFL). She was the vice chair of the board from 1990 to 1993 and the chair of the OSF-L board from 1993 to 2000. She lives in Vilnius.
• President of Lithuania for the periods 1998-2003 and 2004-2009.
  Born 1926 in Kaunas, now living in Vilnius. Lithuanian-American, still actively working for his homeland. As a young man, Adamkus joined the underground against the first Soviet occupation of 1940. During World War II, his family fled Lithuania in order to avoid the second Soviet occupation in 1944. He attended the University of Munich in Germany before emigrating to the United States in 1949. Fluent in five languages — Lithuanian, Polish, English, Russian, and German — he served as a senior non-commissioned officer with the 5th Army Reserve's military intelligence unit in the 1950s. Adamkus graduated as a civil engineer from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1961.
• Born 1935 in Širvintos. Left Lithuania in 1944 with his family. For 27 years he served in the United States Army, retiring as Colonel and is a Vietnam war veteran. Co-founded The Baltic Institute in the USA and in Lithuania “Citizens Alliance” (Piliečių Santalką), and served as chairman of “The Rule of Law” committee. Holds a BS degree in Industrial Management from University of Connecticut and a MBA from Syracuse University. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. From 1999 to 2004 he served as the Commander of Lithuanian Armed Forces. From 1997 to 1999 he was a vice minister of Defense. Lives in Vilnius and Washington.
• Born 1937 in Klaipeda, Mr. Venclova now resides in the United States. His education includes a Diploma in Philology from Vilnius University, Graduate Study at Tartu University and a Ph. D. from Yale University. Mr. Venclova’s professional experience includes positions as professor and lecturer in the fields of language and literature at Yale University, UCLA, Ohio University, University of California Berkeley, and Vilnius University.

DR. SIMONAS ALPERAVIČIUSDR. STASYS BACKAITISVYTAUTAS SLIUPAS P.E.(DR.) VYTAS GRUODIS

• Born 1928 in Vilnius. At the outbreak of World War II, he and his parents escaped to Russia. In 1944, Alperavičius returned to Vilnius, where he graduated from the city‘s 4th Gymnasium in 1947. In 1947-1952, Alperavičius studied law at Vilnius University and graduated magna cum laude. In 1989, he became executive director of the Jewish Community of Lithuania. In 1992, he was elected chairman of the Jewish Community of Lithuania. In 2006, he was elected chairman of the Jewish Community of Vilnius. He currently leads the Religious Jewish Communities of Vilnius and Lithuania. He regularly participates in conferences, forums and congresses of Jewish organisations in Europe, the U.S. and around the world. Lives in Vilnius.
• Born 1929 in Kaunas. Lithuanian-American engineer. Career in the U.S. Department of Transportation. Represents the American Lithuanian Council in Washington, D.C.at the U.S Executive branch and Congress. Board member of the Central and Eastern European Coalition, the Baltic Institute, and the Lithuanian Research and Study Center. Active in energy issues with several U.S. based Think Tanks. Member of the Science Prize Selection Committee at Lithuania’s Education and Science Ministry. Lives in Washington.
• Born 1930 in Palanga. Graduated in 1953 with BSCE degree with Honors in engineering from IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology) and in 1954 received MSCE in Hydraulics from University of Wisconsin. Career in the U.S. and globally. Constantly active in culture, politics, agriculture issues and more in his home country Lithuania. Was in 2008 honoured by the Siauliai University with “Membrum Honoris Causa”. Mr. Sliupas is the son of Ausrininkas Dr. Jonas Sliupas. Lives in California.
• Born 1930 in Kaunas. International businessman, active in Lithuania since1990 where he lived since 1993. Has helped to initiate and lead a number of institutions in Lithuania, including the Open Society Fund Lithuania, Lithuanian Investment Agency, Lithuanian Development Agency, and the Baltic Management Institute (BMI). Has served terms as Advisor to the President of Lithuania, on the Advisory Councils of Vytautas Magnus University and the LCC International University, as Board member of the Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency, Editorial Board Chairman of the monthly Lithuanian Business Review. Awarded Honorary Doctorship by Vytautas Magnus University in 2009. Currently Board member of BMI and Senior Advisor to EVLI Bank. Now lives in Montreal, Canada, and in Vilnius.

PROF. RAMŪNAS KATILIUS

• Born 1935 in Kaunas. Professor, Research Fellow at the Semiconductor Physics Institute of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius (1988-). MS in Physics from Vilnius University; PhD in Solid-State Physics from the Institute for Semiconductors, Dr.Sc. in Theoretical Physics from Ioffe Phys.-Tech. Institute. Research Fellow at those institutes (1966-1988, Leningrad). Professor, Environment Research Faculty, Vytautas Magnus University (1993-2000). 2 scientific monographs, over 130 publications in scientific journals, invited and contributed reports at intern. conferences. Lithuanian National Science Award 1995.. Member, Lithuanian Physical Society. Board Member, Lithuanian Association of Non-Linear Analysis. Editorial Board Member, Nonlinear Analysis – Modelling and Control (Vilnius). Lives in Vilnius

Statement from the VilNews Honorary Council

We, the undersigned have accepted the honour of becoming members of VilNews e-magazine’s Honorary Council because we fully support VilNews as a free, independent, serious, and honest publication with the noble goals of connecting people around the globe with ties to Lithuania by giving them a forum and voice so they can actively participate and dialogue with the homeland and each other.

 

Our beloved Lithuania is undergoing difficult times.  We wish to foster a greater appreciation of what our proud and honourable nation and our people, both at home and abroad, truly represent.  

 

We, the members of the Honorary Council, wish to contribute, embody, and set standards that enhance the progress and development of Lithuania as a great nation based on dignity, wisdom, tolerance, multiculturalism, and respect for each other.  We invite everyone with ties to Lithuania to participate and get actively involved in support of these noble goals, both   through dialogue and mutual cooperation.

 

We are proud to state that Lithuania today is a free and independent nation with norms, values, and visions that are deeply rooted in our country’s long and proud history, and it is these outstanding qualities that define our country and our people as the nation called Lithuania.  These are the traits that have made Lithuania a great, progressive, and prosperous force in human history.  

 

Now our nation needs to pull together so that we can confront boldly the challenges we face and take responsibility for our own future again. 

 

Our participation in the Honorary Council does not imply that we, either as a group or as individuals, necessarily agree with all of the opinions the publication’s editorial staff, readers, and other parties may express in articles, comments, or other published content, but we do affirm and advocate freedom of the press, speech, and other forms of legitimate expression as among the inviolable rights of a democratic Lithuania, based on the ethical standards outlined in the publication’s own “Code of Ethics” (ref VilNews Section 3).

 

We encourage Lithuanians and readers around the world to express their opinions and views through VilNews with the common goal of contributing to a better and more prosperous future for the worldwide Lithuanian community and the nation called “Lithuania!”

 

Irena Veisaite – Valdas Adamkus  – Jonas Kronkaitis – Stasys Backaitis
Vytautas Slliupas – Tomas Venclova – Ramunas Katilius  – Siminoas Alperavicius – Vytas Gruodis

Chairman of the BoardDeputy Chairman of the BoardCEO – Board MemberEditor-in-Chief/Board Member
DR. VIRGINIJUS KUNDROTAS GIEDRIUS SABALIAUSKASKESTUTIS J. EIDUKONISAAGE MYHRE

• Dean of Adizes Graduate School (USA) and Vice-President for Europe of Adizes Institute (USA). Doctor of Social Sciences (Education), Founding President of ISM University of Management and Economics, Lithuania, President of the Baltic Management Development Association (BMDA), Vice-president of Central and East European Management Development Association (CEEMAN); European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) Committee member; International Advisor to Emerald Group Publishing Limited (UK), Member of Editorial Board of Baltic Journal of Management (UK), member of International Scientific Committee of the EDUNIVERSAL Official selection of World Business Schools (France), Board member of Lithuanian Free Market Institute, Board member of Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education. He permanently chairs the International Expert teams on the evaluation of study programs in economics and business administration at Latvian universities and institutions of higher education, serves as expert of EPAS, CEEMAN, Lithuania Higher education Quality Evaluation centre.
  Dr. V.Kundrotas is a Founding President of Kauno Tauro Rotary club, member of Vilnius International Club, etc. If you want to contact him, please do so at virkun@ism.lt
  His web page is www.ism.lt
• Attorney at Law. International development consultant, investment adviser and attorney-at-law with over 10 years of professional experience. Specializing in investment management, advice on investment climate improvement, PPP and infrastructure regulatory aspects. Over 5 years of ongoing focused experience in advising businesses, governments and municipal authorities on the regulatory frameworks for the establishment, management and operations of the Industrial/Special Zones and related PPP/management models. Recent development missions: Lithuania (2004-2007), Yemen (2008), Serbia (2008-2009); The Gambia (2009-2010). Over 5 years experience in managing and supervising investment projects in Lithuania (services, real estate, manufacturing) If you want to contact him, please do so at  giedrius.sabaliauskas@siplaw.lt
  His web page is www.siplaw.lt
• Successfully managed the improvement or turn-around of over 500 small to medium size businesses ranging in annual revenue from $500,000 - $60 million. Successfully advised Russian and Eastern European firms endeavoring to do business with Western Countries. Worked extensively in Russia, Canada, Latin America and Scandinavia Set up an import/export company for consumer and industrial goods. Restructured a European Bank's U.S. investment portfolio. Lectured at AT&T's Global Business Program, East Stroudsburg University, School of the Americas, and the Air Force War College. Presented seminars on various business topics. Taught Entrepreneurship, Audio Video Technology, Electronic Journalism, Media communications. Served as primary adviser in political and military affairs to the Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Southern Command (Latin and Central America) receiving numerous decorations for outstanding performance. Played a major role in re-establishing democratically elected government of Panama. Active Duty Army Officer, Germany and Vietnam 1969 - 1972 Army Reserves, Lieutenant Colonel 1973 - 1997 Numerous Special Active duty tours both stateside and overseas. Worked with and for all branches of U.S. Armed Forces. Worked with U.S. Embassies, U.S. State Department and U.S. Congress. Decorations from Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines including Bronze Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and 14 others. BS in Russian History, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL AA in Business Management, LaSalle Extension University, Chicago IL Graduate, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS
  
  Email: kestutis.eidukonis@VilNews.com
• Norwegian. VilNews Editor-in-Chief. Has lived in Lithuania for almost 20 years. He holds a Norwegian M.Sc. of Civil Engineering (dept. of Architecture), and has 35 years of experience as a journalist and editor.
  POSTGRADUATE: Architectural Psychology, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France (1982). MISCELLANEOUS COURSES: Management for Presidents, Psychology, Sociology, Marketing and Politics.
  Aage Myhre has been actively involved in Lithuanian affairs since 1990 within politics, business, new investments, media, architecture and general development of the country. He is one out a handful Norwegians, among them also a former Norwegian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, having received the Lithuanian Prime Minister’s special award for support to Lithuania in 1990-91 and for later outstanding contribution to the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. If you want to contact him, please do so at aage.myhre@VilNews.com
  His web page is www.VilNews.com

CFO - Board MemberBoard MemberBoard Member
TORBEN PEDERSENDR. VLADAS LAŠASARTHUR SIMONSEN

• Danish. Holds a Danish M.Sc. in Business Economics and Auditing and has certified as a State Authorized Public Accountant in Denmark. Established Arthur Andersen in the Baltic States in 1992. Joined Deloitte Central Europe in 2001 as Managing Partner for Deloitte Lithuania, from where he retired in August 2010. At Deloitte he was also responsible for the firm's audit quality and methodology in Central Europe. He is living in Vilnius since 1994, and  has significant experience in the Baltic States; a first hand and thorough understanding of an emerging market environment. In addition to audit of major Baltic companies, his experience includes privatizations, institutional building for EU admission and general business consulting, and he has delivered presentations on related topics. If you want to contact him, please do so at ttpedersen@yahoo.com
• CEO/Founder of Skubios siuntos UAB Kaunas & UPS/Lithuania. Vladas Lašas studied, lectured and did research on Computer Vision at Kaunas University of Technology. He holds doctorate in Computer Science. He presented results of his research at conferences in Japan, USA, Germany, Russia and other countries. He is co-founder and/or co-owner of several companies in Lithuania, including: UPS Authorised Service Contractor in LT - Skubios siuntos UAB, Elinta UAB - Industrial and Power Plant Automation, Elinvision UAB - Computer Vision R&D, and Globaltus UAB - Global e-Commerce. Vladas is a TED Conference member and one of the 32 TED Patron’s worldwide. He is an investor in sustainable & renewable energy projects in Europe through GRE Holding. His area of interest includes innovation in technology, education and society. He actively take part in projects run by AmCham, The British Council, Save The Children, Rotary Club, universities and other organisations. He likes jogging, trekking, bicycling and adventure. If you want to contact him, please do so at vladas@ups.lt
  His web page is www.ups.lt
• Norwegian. Property developer. Masters degree in Economics (Denmark) Has worked as a lecturer at Aalborg Economic School (Denmark) for 4 years. He then worked as a Manager in the purchasing division of Aalborg Shipyard and later as the Managing Director of "Realia Contractors Denmark A/S". Arthur Simonsen moved to Lithuania in 1999 after being asked to set up KOBA Real Estate Consulting in Lithuania (formerly an associated member of Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker). Two years later Arthur branched out into his own real estate developments. He has been involved in many development projects including a shopping centre, offices and numerous residential projects in Lithuania. If you want to contact him, please do so at arthur@m2invest.lt
  His web page is www.m2invest.lt