The BTDC is proud to introduce its new treasurer, Sima Guven, who is no stranger to politics or spreadsheets. Sima is assuming the role after Fred Douglis successfully managed the books for many years running. A hearty thanks to Fred for his work!

Like many members of our community, Sima became interested in making a difference via local politics with Trump’s first election. She has lived in town for ten years with her husband and twin daughters, and in addition to serving as a district rep, she acted as treasurer for Jessica Simpson-Cook’s township committee campaign in 2022.

Sima has lived a life steeped in democratic values. “When I was young, my grandmother was a volunteer in her Democratic party and did so much work to help the poor,” said Guven. “In honor of my grandmother, I wanted to do my part to help foster my values and ideals for a democratic nation. I could no longer sit on the sidelines.”

Sima’s father served as Bureau Chief of Hurriyet, a prominent Turkish newspaper. She was always very proud of the free press and work her father did.  And she believed the world around her would remain progressive, modern and dictator free. Born in England, and attending boarding school in France, Sima was familiar with the plight of young Persians fleeing Iran when the Shah’s regime fell in the late 1970s, never imagining such societies could hold, never mind become more commonplace.

Attending college and earning a degree in Economics from Barnard College, Sima recalls reading The Handmaid’s Tale as an undergrad and thinking, “This is sort of silly and would never happen in our modern era.” The irony of those feelings is not lost on her now. Sima went on to get her MBA from Cornell and enjoyed a career in banking and media. She currently serves as CFO at Eskare, Inc., an engineering consulting firm she co-founded.

The Guvens enjoy living in Bernards Township and being part of a small, warm community. As Sima becomes more involved with the BTDC she has hopes for the organization to flourish and for our downtown to become more dynamic.  She says, “I wish we had more social activity, more places to go here. There is such a thing as good development that could include more restaurants and retail, more activities for all residents.”

Welcome to the Executive Committee, Sima! Thank you for helping to further democratic values locally.

– Jen Aaron