Olena Zhuk, born in 1985. I am a citizen of Ukraine and an economist with extensive experience in public administration, economic management, and regional governance. I currently serve as Chairman of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council and as Vice President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Local Self-Government Bodies Ukrainian Association of District and Oblast Councils, where I contribute to strengthening local governance, legislative oversight, and public sector transparency. In my regional leadership roles, I am particularly engaged in ensuring legal compliance and promoting transparency in public procurement processes. 
I hold a Specialist’s degree with honors in International Economic Relations from Zaporizhzhia National Technical University (2002–2007). I further completed diplomas with honors in Public Management and Administration at Mariupol State University (2021–2022) and in Management in Ukrainian Local Government Institutions at the Cracow University of Economics, Malopolska School of Public Administration (2022), strengthening my expertise in governance, institutional management, and public sector reform. 
I began my professional career in the private sector in 2006 and gained over a decade of experience as an economist and senior executive in banking and agribusiness, focusing on financial management, strategic planning, and compliance. In 2020, I transitioned to public service as Head of the Patronage Service of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration. In December 2020, I was elected Deputy and Chairman of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council. Since December 2024, I have also served as a Member of the Supervisory Board of Zaporizhzhia National University, overseeing compliance in public procurement. 
My professional objective is to apply advanced international public procurement practices to support transparent, ethical, and sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine. I chose IPPM program at the University of Rome Tor Vergata for its academic rigor, practical orientation, and global perspective, as well as its strong cooperation with institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the United Nations. I am particularly motivated by the program’s focus on innovation, ethics, and sustainability, which I consider essential for rebuilding trust, strengthening governance, and advancing Ukraine’s path toward resilience and European integration. My goal is to return with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform war-affected regions into models of integrity and effective public administration.