Our team
Bemutatkozás
Zoltán Haász graduated with a degree in economics (finance specialisation) from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences (now Corvinus University of Budapest) in 1991. He worked for the Hungarian Foundation for Enterprise Promotion, the Hungarian Development Bank and the Regional Development Holding Ltd.
Over the past two decades, he has specialised in the design and delivery of international cooperation projects. Since 2019, he has served as the chief executive officer of STRIA. His key responsibilities include the overall management of STRIA's activities, setting and executing the company's strategy as well as building and developing relationships with international, national, regional, and local stakeholders. Language proficiency: English, Italian.
His language proficiency is English and Italian.
Zoltán Haász graduated with a degree in economics (finance specialisation) from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences (now Corvinus University of Budapest) in 1991. He worked for the Hungarian Foundation for Enterprise Promotion, the Hungarian Development Bank and the Regional Development Holding Ltd. Over the past two decades, he has specialised in the design and delivery of international cooperation projects.l.
Since 2019, he has served as the chief executive officer of STRIA. His key responsibilities include the overall management of STRIA's activities, setting and executing the company's strategy as well as building and developing relationships with international, national, regional, and local stakeholders.
His language proficiency is English and Italian.
Bemutatkozás
Okleveles közgazdász (vállalatfinanszírozás, valamint regionális politika és gazdaságtan mesterszakokon; Janus Pannonius Tudományegyetem, 1998),
Európa szakértő (PTE Állam és Jogtudományi Kar, 2005), brüsszeli lobbista (Clingendael Intézet, Hága, 2006). Terület- és településfejlesztéssel a Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Fejlesztési Ügynökség egyik alapító tagjaként, 1998 óta foglalkozik. A társaságnál több, köztük vezetői munkakörben annak 2016-os fennállásáig dolgozott. 2016 óta a Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség ügyvezető helyettese. 2001 óta foglalkozik nemzetközi programok és projektek előkészítésével, megvalósításával. Kutatómunkát végez a többszintű kormányzás témakörében.
He can be consulted on the following topics: az okos specializáció területei, agrár-élelmiszeripar, orvosi technológiák, felsőoktatás, városfejlesztés, energetika, klímaváltozás, mobilitás, projektfejlesztés, program- és projektmenedzsment, továbbá projekt kommunikáció.
Language proficiency: advanced English, basic French and German
Szabadidejében olvas, kedveli a családi programokat és kerékpározást.
Zsolt Pálmai is a certified economist, having earned a master's degree in corporate finance and in regional policy and economics from Janus Pannonius University in 1998. He also holds a degree as a European expert from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at the University of Pécs (2005) and is a Brussels lobbyist certified by the Clingendael Institute in The Hague (2006). He has been involved in regional and urban development since 1998, as a founding member of the South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency. He worked there in various positions, until the company's dissolution in 2016. Since 2017, he has been the deputy managing director of the South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (STRIA). He has been preparing and implementing international programs and projects since 2001 and conducts research on multi-level governance.
He can be consulted on the following topics: areas of smart specialization, medical technologies, curricula development in higher education, agro-food industry, circular economy, urban development, energy and energy communities, low emission and automated mobility, project development, program and project management, and project communication.
Language proficiency: advanced English, basic French and German
In his free time, he enjoys gardening, family activities, and cycling.
Bemutatkozás
Anikó Kiss earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in 2014 from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs, specializing in marketing. She has been working with European Territorial Cooperation projects as a project manager and financial manager since 2012. In the summer of 2018, she joined STRIA Nonprofit Ltd., where she started as a lead project manager. As the financial director, she also coordinates the company's financial processes.
She can be consulted on the following topics: project and financial management, as well as cultural, tourism, environmental protection, and business development projects.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she is an instructor at the Tolna Dog School and organizes dog hikes and events.
Anikó Kiss earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012 and her Master of Science degree in 2014 from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs, specializing in marketing. She has been working with European Territorial Cooperation projects as a project manager and financial manager since 2012. In the summer of 2018, she joined STRIA Nonprofit Ltd., where she started as a lead project manager. As the financial director, she also coordinates the company's financial processes.
She can be consulted on the following topics: project and financial management, as well as cultural, tourism, environmental protection, and business development projects.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she is an instructor at the Tolna Dog School and organizes dog hikes and events.
Bemutatkozás
László Csoknyai is a certified economist who graduated in 1991 from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences (now Corvinus University of Budapest), specializing in foreign trade.
He began his career at the Hungarian Development Bank, where he specialized in capital investment programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which shaped his subsequent professional path.
For about 25 years, he has worked as an investor and corporate manager for various SMEs. He has also served as a mentor and project coordinator in numerous EU-funded SME development and training programs. He has held positions as the chairman of the Hungarian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HVCA) and as a board member of the European Venture Capital Association (EVCA).
He is a corporate coordinator on the STRIA team, participating in the CIREVALC and TEX-DAN circular economy projects.
László Csoknyai is a certified economist who graduated in 1991 from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences (now Corvinus University of Budapest), specializing in foreign trade.
He began his career at the Hungarian Development Bank, where he specialized in capital investment programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which shaped his subsequent professional path.
For about 25 years, he has worked as an investor and corporate manager for various SMEs. He has also served as a mentor and project coordinator in numerous EU-funded SME development and training programs. He has held positions as the chairman of the Hungarian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HVCA) and as a board member of the European Venture Capital Association (EVCA).
He is a corporate coordinator on the STRIA team, participating in the CIREVALC and TEX-DAN circular economy projects.
Melinda TÓTH
ügyvezetői tanácsadó,
fenntarthatósági vezető
- tothmelinda@ddriu.hu
Bemutatkozás
Szociológusként szerzett diplomát az ELTE-n humánökológia, valamint változásmenedzsment szakirányon. Jelenleg környezetmérnökként folytatja tanulmányait az Óbudai Egyetemen. 2010 óta foglalkozik hazai és közvetlen uniós finanszírozási pályázatok pénzügyi és szakmai menedzsmentjével, elsősorban közszféra szervezetek területfejlesztési projektjeinek megvalósításával.
Melinda regisztrált ESG tanácsadóként a vállalati tervezés mellett a kormányzati és települési szintű fenntarthatósági kihívások is érdeklik.
Language proficiency: English and German.
She graduated from ELTE with a degree in sociology, specializing in human ecology and change management, and then graduated from Óbuda University in 2025 as an environmental engineer. Since 2010, he has been involved in the financial and professional management of domestic and direct EU funding applications, primarily in the implementation of regional development projects for public sector organizations.
As a registered ESG consultant, she is most interested in sustainability challenges at the government and municipal levels.
Language proficiency: English and German.
Kovács Dalma
Project Manager
Bemutatkozás
Dalma earned her degree in economics (specializing in commerce and marketing) from the University of Pécs in 2021. In 2021, she joined STRIA Nonprofit Ltd. as a junior project manager. Her responsibilities include supporting the work of project managers, organizing company events, handling communication tasks, and maintaining contact with numerous partner companies.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys sports.
Dalma earned her degree in economics (specializing in commerce and marketing) from the University of Pécs in 2021. In 2021, she joined STRIA Nonprofit Ltd. as a junior project manager. Her responsibilities include supporting the work of project managers, organizing company events, handling communication tasks, and maintaining contact with numerous partner companies.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys sports.
Bemutatkozás
Zoltán Bendó earned a degree in economics with a specialization in finance and European studies from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration in 2000. He has over 20 years of professional experience. He has participated in tasks related to the preparation, implementation, and closing of economic development operational programs across multiple planning cycles. Furthermore, he has been involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of support schemes within these programs, commissioned by the National Development Agency, MAG Hungarian Economic Development Centre Ltd., and later the Ministry for National Economy and Ministry of Finance.
Over the past 15 years, he has taken part in the planning, preparation, and implementation of numerous SME development-focused transnational projects in the fields of clusters, financial instruments, Industry 4.0, circular economy, and vocational training. His current role at STRIA involves the partnership-level management of the CIREVALC and TEX-DAN projects.
In his free time, he is involved in managing a small fishing association.
Language proficiency: English and German.
Zoltán Bendó earned a degree in economics with a specialization in finance and European studies from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Public Administration in 2000. He has over 20 years of professional experience. He has participated in tasks related to the preparation, implementation, and closing of economic development operational programs across multiple planning cycles. Furthermore, he has been involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of support schemes within these programs, commissioned by the National Development Agency, MAG Hungarian Economic Development Centre Ltd., and later the Ministry for National Economy and Ministry of Finance.
Over the past 15 years, he has taken part in the planning, preparation, and implementation of numerous SME development-focused transnational projects in the fields of clusters, financial instruments, Industry 4.0, circular economy, and vocational training. His current role at STRIA involves the partnership-level management of the CIREVALC and TEX-DAN projects.
In his free time, he is involved in managing a small fishing association.
Language proficiency: English and German.
Bemutatkozás
Diana earned her Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting in 2014, and in 2016 she completed her Master's in Management and Leadership (in English) , both from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs. During her studies, she participated in several scholarship programs abroad. After graduating, she held various positions both in Hungary and abroad. In 2020, she began working at STRIA. She is currently a project manager at the company, focusing primarily on circular economy projects.
She can be consulted on the following topics: project management, sustainability, circular economy, tourism, and competence development projects.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, and sports.
Diana earned her Bachelor's degree in Finance and Accounting in 2014, and in 2016 she completed her Master's in Management and Leadership (in English) , both from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs. During her studies, she participated in several scholarship programs abroad. After graduating, she held various positions both in Hungary and abroad. In 2020, she began working at STRIA. She is currently a project manager at the company, focusing primarily on circular economy projects.
She can be consulted on the following topics: project management, sustainability, circular economy, tourism, and competence development projects.
His language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys walking, hiking, and sports.
Bemutatkozás
Balázs graduated as a certified economist (MSc) from the University of Pécs, specializing in marketing and then regional policy. The latter specialization laid the groundwork for his more than twenty-year career in regional development, which began at the South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency. He later continued his work at the University of Pécs and STRIA. He has worked as a developer and coordinator of international projects in numerous fields, but since 2008, he has primarily focused on climate protection and energy developments. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, which has provided him with a deeper professional foundation for developing urban and regional energy strategies, introducing smart metering systems, and applying renewable energy sources.
There's a well-known saying that change must start with oneself, and this is especially true concerning an environmentally and health-conscious lifestyle. For this reason, he follows a vegetarian diet, primarily cycles to work, and exercises regularly.
Language proficiency: English, French.
Balázs graduated as a certified economist (MSc) from the University of Pécs, specializing in marketing and then regional policy. The latter specialization laid the groundwork for his more than twenty-year career in regional development, which began at the South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency. He later continued his work at the University of Pécs and STRIA. He has worked as a developer and coordinator of international projects in numerous fields, but since 2008, he has primarily focused on climate protection and energy developments. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, which has provided him with a deeper professional foundation for developing urban and regional energy strategies, introducing smart metering systems, and applying renewable energy sources.
There's a well-known saying that change must start with oneself, and this is especially true concerning an environmentally and health-conscious lifestyle. For this reason, he follows a vegetarian diet, primarily cycles to work, and exercises regularly.
Language proficiency: English, French.
Bemutatkozás
Balázs earned his master's degree in geography from the University of Pécs. He continued his studies as a PhD student, with his research focusing on the geography of rural transport. He has been working on EU projects since 2016, first with the Cultural Creative Industry Cluster, and later with the Tolna County Development Agency and Paks Transportation Ltd.
He has contributed primarily to projects in the energy, agri-food, and mobility sectors, and has also coordinated communication tasks on several occasions. His responsibility at STRIA is the full-scope management of the REUSE2030 project.
His language proficiency is English.
Balázs earned his master's degree in geography from the University of Pécs. He continued his studies as a PhD student, with his research focusing on the geography of rural transport. He has been working on EU projects since 2016, first with the Cultural Creative Industry Cluster, and later with the Tolna County Development Agency and Paks Transportation Ltd.
He has contributed primarily to projects in the energy, agri-food, and mobility sectors, and has also coordinated communication tasks on several occasions. His responsibility at STRIA is the full-scope management of the REUSE2030 project.
His language proficiency is English.
Bemutatkozás
István graduated from the Faculty of International Relations at the Budapest Business School in 2003, specializing in marketing. In 2012, he earned a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pannonia. He was introduced to direct Brussels-funded European Union grant opportunities as a grant writer in 2003. He has worked at Geonardo Ltd. and later at Aquaprofit Plc.
Since 2009, he has worked as an entrepreneur, assisting clients with the preparation of LIFE, Erasmus+, COSME, and Interreg applications and the implementation of successful projects. He joined the STRIA team in April 2024.
His areas of expertise are environmental protection, nature conservation, tourism, education development, energy, and the food industry.
His language proficiency is English and Italian.
István graduated from the Faculty of International Relations at the Budapest Business School in 2003, specializing in marketing. In 2012, he earned a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pannonia. He was introduced to direct Brussels-funded European Union grant opportunities as a grant writer in 2003. He has worked at Geonardo Ltd. and later at Aquaprofit Plc.
Since 2009, he has worked as an entrepreneur, assisting clients with the preparation of LIFE, Erasmus+, COSME, and Interreg applications and the implementation of successful projects. He joined the STRIA team in April 2024.
His areas of expertise are environmental protection, nature conservation, tourism, education development, energy, and the food industry.
His language proficiency is English and Italian.
Bemutatkozás
Tímea holds a degree in Marketing and Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs. She has 20 years of professional marketing experience. At STRIA, she coordinates the organisation's marketing activities and participates in project communication.
She is an expert in copywriting and creative marketing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She regularly teaches entrepreneurs at the Pécs Chamber of Industry. She enjoys sharing her practical experience with university students and members of various business communities.
She has been married for 25 years and is the mother of two teenage daughters.
Language proficiency: English and German.
Tímea holds a degree in Marketing and Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Pécs. She has 20 years of professional marketing experience. At STRIA, she coordinates the organisation's marketing activities and participates in project communication.
She is an expert in copywriting and creative marketing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She regularly teaches entrepreneurs at the Pécs Chamber of Industry. She enjoys sharing her practical experience with university students and members of various business communities.
She has been married for 25 years and is the mother of two teenage daughters.
Language proficiency: English and German.
Bemutatkozás
Mónika is an expert in international relations and security and defense policy. She supplemented her university studies with academic visits abroad, studying at Kemi-Tornio Polytechnic in Finland and later at Kanazawa Seiryo University in Japan.
She is a founding member of the Hungarian Women's Union Association, a board member of the Hungarian Batthyány Foundation, and a founding member of the Women’s Business Club. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Brussels-based EBN (European Business and Innovation Centres Network).
She has utilized her practical knowledge in state and municipal background institutions, as well as in civil and for-profit organizations. She runs her own consulting firm and mentors female entrepreneurs.
In the spring of 2024, she became a project manager at STRIA, with a special focus on supporting women's entrepreneurship.
Her language proficiency is English, Italian, and Dutch.
She divides her time between the Netherlands and Hungary, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling with her multicultural family.
Mónika is an expert in international relations and security and defense policy. She supplemented her university studies with academic visits abroad, studying at Kemi-Tornio Polytechnic in Finland and later at Kanazawa Seiryo University in Japan.
She is a founding member of the Hungarian Women's Union Association, a board member of the Hungarian Batthyány Foundation, and a founding member of the Women’s Business Club. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Brussels-based EBN (European Business and Innovation Centres Network).
She has utilized her practical knowledge in state and municipal background institutions, as well as in civil and for-profit organizations. She runs her own consulting firm and mentors female entrepreneurs.
In the spring of 2024, she became a project manager at STRIA, with a special focus on supporting women's entrepreneurship.
Her language proficiency is English, Italian, and Dutch.
She divides her time between the Netherlands and Hungary, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling with her multicultural family.
Bemutatkozás
József graduated with a degree in economics and business informatics from the Zalaegerszeg Institute of the Budapest Business School in 2007.
In 2013, he qualified as a certified public accountant. He has been working with grants since 2008, starting at the South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency. There, he was involved in the decision-making process for grants submitted to the implementing body and, at the same time, managed the finances of international projects.
From 2014 to 2015, he worked on grants at the South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency. From 2016, he worked as a project manager at the University of Pécs. As of 2024, he has rejoined the STRIA team.
His language proficiency is English.
A munka mellett méhészkedik és horgászik.
József graduated with a degree in economics and business informatics from the Zalaegerszeg Institute of the Budapest Business School in 2007.
In 2013, he qualified as a certified public accountant. He has been working with grants since 2008, starting at the South Transdanubian Regional Development Agency. There, he was involved in the decision-making process for grants submitted to the implementing body and, at the same time, managed the finances of international projects.
From 2014 to 2015, he worked on grants at the South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency. From 2016, he worked as a project manager at the University of Pécs. As of 2024, he has rejoined the STRIA team.
His language proficiency is English.
A munka mellett méhészkedik és horgászik.
Bemutatkozás
Omar has decades of experience as a lawyer in various fields of law. During this time, he has contributed to and managed complex projects, advising domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations in various industries.
In addition to his native Hungarian, he speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.
At STRIA, he performs legal and scientific research tasks related to the implementation of the company's international projects.
Omar has decades of experience as a lawyer in various fields of law. During this time, he has contributed to and managed complex projects, advising domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations in various industries.
In addition to his native Hungarian, he speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.
At STRIA, he performs legal and scientific research tasks related to the implementation of the company's international projects.
Bemutatkozás
Inez graduated with a degree in Business and Management from Kodolányi János University in 2016. She has over 14 years of experience working with European Union-funded projects in various fields. Her experience covers the entire project lifecycle, including preparing and writing grant applications, operational project implementation, and coordinating financial accounting and official audits. Throughout her career, she has gained experience from both the managing authority and beneficiary sides, giving her a comprehensive view of how the European Union's funding system operates and what is expected from the parties involved.
She has actively participated in the implementation of numerous domestic and international projects, where her responsibilities also included organizing and running professional events, workshops, and informational sessions.
Her language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys sports, traveling, and improving her knowledge of healthy living, nutrition, and digital skills.
Inez graduated with a degree in Business and Management from Kodolányi János University in 2016. She has over 14 years of experience working with European Union-funded projects in various fields. Her experience covers the entire project lifecycle, including preparing and writing grant applications, operational project implementation, and coordinating financial accounting and official audits. Throughout her career, she has gained experience from both the managing authority and beneficiary sides, giving her a comprehensive view of how the European Union's funding system operates and what is expected from the parties involved.
She has actively participated in the implementation of numerous domestic and international projects, where her responsibilities also included organizing and running professional events, workshops, and informational sessions.
Her language proficiency is English.
In her free time, she enjoys sports, traveling, and improving her knowledge of healthy living, nutrition, and digital skills.
Bemutatkozás
Dr. Kata Konstantin earned her law degree from ELTE University in 2013, followed by energy law research in Göttingen. In 2022, he obtained a Lawyer-Economist degree from Corvinus University of Budapest, where he investigated the efficiency of renewable energy support schemes. Currently, she is pursuing a specialized law degree in Artificial Intelligence and Technology Law at ELTE and an Information Security Specialist qualification at Óbuda University.
From 2016-2017, she was a member of the Hungarian EU Life Capacity Building project team, working as a grant consultant. Currently, she conducts research as a scientific researcher on circular economy and energy communities within DDRIÜ's projects.
Languages: English and German
Bálint HORVÁTH
Project Manager
- horvathbalint@ddriu.hu
Bemutatkozás
Bálint studied at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. After his studies, he worked in the cultural sector, where he assisted authors and performing artists with copyright and performance rights. For over 10 years, he worked in commerce as a sales and brand manager for foreign companies, where he was responsible for introducing and promoting their brands and product portfolios in Hungary and developing their reseller networks. Since 2020, he has been working in the public administration sector, first as a project manager, then as an event organizer and project coordinator. He became a member of the STRIA team in the spring of 2024. Community is important to him, and he believes in the power of communication.
Language proficiency: German and English.
For hobbies, he enjoys playing the piano, composing, arranging, and reading.
Bálint studied at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. After his studies, he worked in the cultural sector, where he assisted authors and performing artists with copyright and performance rights. For over 10 years, he worked in commerce as a sales and brand manager for foreign companies, where he was responsible for introducing and promoting their brands and product portfolios in Hungary and developing their reseller networks. Since 2020, he has been working in the public administration sector, first as a project manager, then as an event organizer and project coordinator. He became a member of the STRIA team in the spring of 2024. Community is important to him, and he believes in the power of communication.
Language proficiency: German and English.
For hobbies, he enjoys playing the piano, composing, arranging, and reading.
Márta REGNER
Project Manager
- regnermarta@ddriu.hu
Bemutatkozás
Márta graduated from Révai Miklós Secondary Grammar School in Győr, then obtained her first degree at the Institute for Social and European Studies (ISES) in Szombathely. A few years later, she earned a specialist qualification in International Economic and Business Relations from Corvinus University of Budapest.
Márta has over 15 years of professional experience in managing both international and domestic projects, having worked in various institutional environments such as ministries, regional development agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations, mainly in project manager and project leader roles.
Márta holds a C1-level (advanced) business language certificate in English and a B2-level (intermediate) certificate in German.
Márta graduated from Révai Miklós Secondary Grammar School in Győr, then obtained her first degree at the Institute for Social and European Studies (ISES) in Szombathely. A few years later, she earned a specialist qualification in International Economic and Business Relations from Corvinus University of Budapest.
Márta has over 15 years of professional experience in managing both international and domestic projects, having worked in various institutional environments such as ministries, regional development agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations, mainly in project manager and project leader roles.
Márta holds a C1-level (advanced) business language certificate in English and a B2-level (intermediate) certificate in German.