Olena Tregub

Olena Tregub (Ukrainian: Олена Трегуб; born 15 September 1982) is recognized for her significant contributions to the field of anti-corruption and governance, both in Ukraine and internationally. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Director at the Ukrainian Independent Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO). Tregub's work revolves around advancing transparency and integrity in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on anti-corruption efforts, notably within the defense sector.

Olena Tregub
Олена Трегуб
Born	15 September 1982 Kyiv, Ukraine
Nationality	Ukrainian
Occupation(s)	Civil Society Leader, Executive Director of NAKO

Early Career and Education

Olena Tregub is a graduate of the Central European University in Budapest, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, where she studied international relations and public policy. She began her career in journalism and international relations, focusing on policy analysis and advocacy.

In the U.S., Olena held multiple roles including adjunct professor of political science at Adelphi University, media liaison at the U.N. in New York, and U.S.-based correspondent for the Ukrainian News Agency. She also served as a columnist for the Kyiv Post and a researcher on Ukraine for the New York Times. Her writings on Ukrainian domestic and international politics have been featured in various European and American media outlets.

Ukrainian Government Service

After residing in Washington D.C. for ten years, Tregub returned to Ukraine and joined the government to contribute to the post-Maidan democratic transformation of Ukraine. She was appointed Director of International Aid Coordination for the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, where she oversaw a portfolio in excess of $12 billion of international development projects. Tregub sought to introduce extensive reforms, which controversially led to her dismissal and later reinstatement, following the ruling of the Kyiv District Administrative Court.

Contributions to Anti-Corruption Efforts

In 2016, Tregub collaborated with Transparency International to establish the Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Committee (NAKO). Initially, NAKO comprised of three Ukrainian and three international experts, concentrating its efforts on addressing corruption within Ukraine's defense sector. At NAKO, Tregub has led efforts to implement OECD corporate governance and anti-corruption standards in Ukraine's defense industry, particularly within Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s state-owned defense conglomerate. Under her leadership, NAKO has been active in monitoring the recruitment processes for new directors of state-owned enterprises (SOEs)[1] and publicizing cases of corruption within the industry.

Her tenure at NAKO is noted for significant contributions to drafting legislative reforms, such as the bill on the corporatization of Ukroboronprom companies, the development of a Code of Ethics, and the terms of reference for the first international financial and forensic audits of Ukroboronprom.

International Advocacy and Diplomacy

Tregub's role involves extensive travel to the United States, Europe and Asia to advocate for continued support for Ukraine, especially during times of conflict. Her efforts aim to secure international backing and resources necessary for Ukraine to uphold its sovereignty, and to combat corruption effectively.

Impact and Recognition

Tregub’s work has earned her recognition both in Ukraine and internationally. She is a respected voice in discussions about governance and anti-corruption, often participating in global forums and policy discussions. Her insights contribute to shaping international perceptions and policies regarding Ukraine, particularly in relation to defense and security sectors.

Tregub has received several awards for her reforming anti-corruption work. In 2012, the World Economic Forum chose Olena to represent Ukraine as a Global Shaper at its Davos forum. She is a board member of Hromadske TV since 2020 and a member of the Steering Committee of B4Ukraine Coalition.

Future Endeavors

Tregub continues to focus on expanding the scope of anti-corruption measures in various strategic sectors beyond defense, including energy, transportation, and agriculture. Her ongoing work aims to enhance the role of civil society in achieving better governance and ensuring the effectiveness of corporate governance reforms in Ukraine.

Tregub remains a pivotal figure in Ukraine’s fight against corruption, advocating for robust governance frameworks and international cooperation to secure a transparent and accountable government.