Our Board of Trustees

Chair & Founder
Monica Culen co-founded RED NOSES Austria in 1994. She managed the RED NOSES Group for 30 years. Under her guidance, the initiative expanded to 11 countries. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, including the Golden Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria.

From 2004 to 2021, she served as President of the Austrian Fundraising Association. This platform supports and professionalises NPOs and influences relevant legislation in Austria. Additionally, Monica co-founded and chaired the European Federation of Healthcare Clowns (EFHCO) from 2011 to 2021, setting quality standards for hospital clowns. Between 2002 and 2008, she developed and led the first Austrian fundraising college and lectured at the Fundraising School of the University of Indiana. After stepping down as CEO of RED NOSES International in 2023, Monica continues to support the mission as a board member. She embodies the spirit of the clown archetype — playful, vulnerable, and profoundly human.

Vice Chair & Founder
Giora Seeliger is an actor, director, and pioneer of healthcare clowning. He trained at renowned institutions including Fratellini's National Circus School, Jacques Lecoq, Etienne Decroux, and Yves Lebreton. In 1982, he founded Théatre des Falaises, touring extensively across Europe. In 1994, alongside Monica Culen, he co-founded RED NOSES Austria. This firmly established healthcare clowning in the country. Subsequently, this initiative expanded into RED NOSES International.

A long-time lecturer and visiting professor at Vienna’s University of Music and Performing Arts, Giora also founded the RED NOSES International School of Humour (ISH) in Vienna, where he conducted over 300 workshops with leading international instructors during its first 20 years. In 2024, Giora received the Golden Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria. This award recognised his profound impact on healthcare clowning.

Board Member in RED NOSES Croatia, Consultant, Director, Coach in Chicago
Ronald B. Given has over 40 years of experience in the practice of law, first as a corporate and finance partner with the international law firm Mayer Brown, with an Asian, Western European, and tech focus, then as the General Counsel of a listed, global insurance group. This was followed by more than a decade of living in, practising, and successfully managing and growing law offices in Zagreb, Prague, Kyiv, and Warsaw, as well as throughout Central Europe, for Vienna-based Wolf Theiss and Deloitte Legal. 

Throughout his career, Ron has also served on the board of directors of many profit and not-for-profit organisations. He directly collaborated with Red Noses during his assignments in Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Poland. From Chicago, Ron’s current professional focus is on coaching and consulting with businesses and professionals on a global basis.

International CEO at Concordia Social Projects
With over 30 years of experience, Bernhard Drumel has led or supported mission-driven initiatives. Since 2020, he has been serving as the International CEO of CONCORDIA Social Projects, leading efforts across five countries to support children from vulnerable backgrounds in breaking the cycle of generational poverty and building self-determined lives.

As a consultant, Bernhard has advised notable NGOs—including Red Noses, Amnesty International, Light for the World, and Four Paws—in strategic development and leadership growth. In previous roles, he served as Global Fundraising and Development Director at Greenpeace International, as Executive Director of Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe, and as Programme Director at WWF Austria.

Healthcare Clown, Clown Teacher and Coach
Suzanna Ferguson has been clowning since 2008, starting on La Rambla, Barcelona. In 2010, she created a critically acclaimed solo show in Scotland — Sick — that toured to Rome, Milan, and Grenoble. Later that year, she joined the Hearts & Minds team as a therapeutic clown. She became Artistic Director in 2018, a role she held for three years.

Today, she freelances as a therapeutic clown and coach. She teaches both in the UK and internationally, including with Danskehospitalclovne, Cliniclowns, Dr Klaun, FinyNosy Kharkiv, and Doctor Parrots. Above all, Suzanna is passionate about keeping healthcare clowns self-motivated and artistically engaged. She has also co-created theatre for people living with dementia and young people with complex needs. Additionally, she frequently works as an outside eye for small-scale clown theatre in Scotland.

Auditor & Tax Advisor – Haimerl & Hörler
Dr. Franz Haimerl is an experienced auditor and tax consultant. He specialises in M&A, real estate, corporate restructuring tax law, and business succession. Since founding his own firm in 2017, he has advised clients across various industries. In particular, he focuses on medium-sized companies. His advisory expertise and market knowledge make him a sought-after expert for complex tax and strategic issues.

Furthermore, he serves on supervisory and foundation boards, contributing to the sustainable development of the companies he advises. Through tailored solutions, he supports entrepreneurs and families in creating long-term value and leveraging tax optimisation opportunities.

Artistic Programme Leader at Cliniclowns Netherlands
Jacqueline Kaptein has 40 years of experience in theatre as an actor, clown, and trainer. Since joining CliniClowns Netherlands in 2000, she has served as a clown and trainer. She subsequently spent 12 years as artistic director. Today, she continues her role as a clown, trainer, and methodology expert.

Above all, her passion lies deeply with the clown archetype — a figure embodying playfulness, vulnerability, and profound humanity. Moreover, she has a remarkable ability to create meaningful connections with others.