Norah launched her career at Goldman Sachs Realty Japan in Japan.  She was involved in the operational and financial due diligence of various entities, including hotels, ryokans, and golf courses, as well as small to mid-size operating companies.  She acquired extensive experience in designing and implementing operational processes that bring efficiency and control.  She was also responsible for fund accounting and financial reporting based on US GAAP and Japan GAAP.  Norah continued her career in a start-up non-profit foundation in the United States, where she designed and implemented processes of accounting, payroll, procurement, fund reporting, etc.  She also played a central role in introducing the ERP system and change management processes.  

Most recently, Norah took on a significant role in the oversight body of the United Nations Secretariat.  As Auditor-in-Charge, she led teams of two to six in assessing governance, risk management processes, cross-cutting issues, investment management, and other complex operational areas of the United Nations over 15 years.    

Norah received her bachelor’s degree of arts (BA) in accounting from University of Bridgeport with magna cum laude. She was also conferred a master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Harvard University as a recipient of a merit-based full scholarship from the University.  Norah is a Certified Public Accountant (2002), Certified Internal Auditor (2006), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (2013).

After graduating from Waseda University with a BA in Law, he started his career as Economist/Analyst in the Japanese National Government.  He was promoted to various positions over 19 years, including Director of Policy Planning at the Cabinet Secretariat Office, Director of Policy Planning at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Deputy Director of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters of the Prime Minister’s Office, and First Secretary of Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C.  Takeshi studied Management and Leadership in Olin Business School of Washington University with the full sponsorship from the Japanese government and was conferred a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). 

While stationed in the USA as First Secretary, Takeshi researched the policy evaluation system and on the oversight system of the Congress in the USA.  His analysis assisted the Japanese national government in drafting the policy evaluation system, which was enacted in 2001 in Japan. 

Takeshi facilitated the national efforts for regulatory reforms by taking a key role in such areas as policy evaluation and e-government.  He represented the Japanese government at the Public Management Committee (PUMA) of OECD as Director of Policy Planning of MIC.

Takeshi, as Director of Policy Planning of the Cabinet Secretariat Office, also developed the revitalization plan for governments by navigating highly complex negotiations with the Ministries, Agencies, and local governments, which led to a resolution of the Cabinet.