Board of Directors: 

Jeff Stein: Jeff Stein is a Program Officer with American Jewish World Servicer, where he covers civil and political rights grantmaking in Burma and Sri Lanka. He also engages in AJWS’ international advocacy regarding human rights in Myanmar, with a focus on ethnic minorities and the Rohingya specifically. Jeff has worked with Burmese civil society since 2011. He has worked for both large international funders and grassroots advocacy organizations in New York, Thailand and Burma. He studied International Economic Policy and Management at the Columbia University School for International Policy and Administration, and has a BA from Wesleyan University.

Htay Min Hlaing is a research scientist at DuPont in charge of developing next generation flexible display technology in collaboration with major display makers. Htay Hlaing has extensive experience collaborating with functionally and culturally diverse teams across different time zones under tight deadlines. Born and raised in Myanmar (Burma) under a repressive military regime, Htay Hlaing had first-hand knowledge of widespread poverty and brutality under military rule and developed a strong sense of devotion to democratization in his homeland. During his time at Columbia University in New York as a postdoctoral researcher, he was a founding member of Myanmar Association at the University and actively involved in various forums related to democratic reform in Myanmar (Burma). He holds a Ph.D. degree in Physics from Stony Brook University in New York and a bachelor degree from Bates College in Maine. He also studied at University College London in the U.K. and Nanjing University in China as part of his junior year abroad program.

Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd: As special advisor for MPI, Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of distinguished service as Civil Affairs Officer. She currently researches, publishes, and teaches in the areas of: US-Myanmar (Burma) relations; security dynamics of Southeast Asia; linkages between the role of education, economic development, gender, private sector, and security in the Indo-Pacific region; and transformative adult learning/executive education; and organizational innovations at DKI APCSS.  Dr. Byrd has served as the Deputy Economic Advisor at U.S. Pacific Command in uniform prior to her position at DKI APCSS.  Dr. Byrd is an Adjunct Fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu.  She is currently serving on the Boards of: the Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies at Claremont McKenna College in California; Women’s LEAD in Lashio; Thanakha International Gender E-Tekkatho; International Development Research Centre (IDRC); and US-ASEAN Business Council Myanmar Scholarship Fund.  She holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from University of Southern California; MBA from University of Hawaii; and BA from Claremont McKenna College.  

Key Staff: 

Zaw Tuseng, is the founder and president of the Myanmar Policy Institute (MPI), an independent and nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Myanmar's pro-democracy policymakers, local leaders, and civil society communities. Previously, Zaw served as a Program Area Specialist with the Open Society Foundations' (OSF) Burma/Myanmar Program, where he played a key role in developing grant-making strategies and setting priorities. Zaw holds an executive Master of Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, as well as a B.A. in Political Science from Delhi University (April 2003).

Zam Deih Khual, MPI's Program Manager, is a seasoned researcher and leader with over nine years of experience managing impactful projects across Myanmar. He has successfully led and actively contributed to a wide range of initiatives, including sustainable energy transitions, environmental education programs, land rights advocacy, and public budgeting reforms. With extensive expertise in community engagement and social accountability, Zam has consistently delivered measurable outcomes and driven meaningful, long-term change in the communities he serves.

Rosalinn Zahau: Rosalinn Zahau, in her role as a Senior Legal Researcher, conducts analyses on the changes in Myanmar's constitution drafts and laws. Rosalinn's prior professional experience includes stations with local and international NGOs in South and Southeast Asia and the US. She worked with various non-profit organizations, including Open Society Foundations, Euro-Burma Office, and Freedom House, on issues related to legal reform, strengthening civil society groups, and human rights protection. She was part of a group that re-drafted and reviewed the Chin State Constitution before the 2021 military coup. Rosalinn received her law degree from the University of Delhi and graduate law degrees from the University of London as a Chevening scholar and Harvard Law School, where she engaged in researching constitutional law and contributed to the development of a treaty on autonomous weapons systems.

Thinn Thiri: With over 20 years of experience in media and communication, coupled with her expertise in managing public relations in an international organization, Thinn Thiri is a valuable asset as an MPI Program Officer. Her vast experience and skills uniquely position her to contribute to MPI's mission of promoting informed and inclusive policy-making processes. With her dedication and knowledge, Thinn Thiri plays a pivotal role in advancing MPI's goals and fostering positive change in Myanmar.

Su Su Aung, Su Su Aung is a consultant for MPI and has an extensive background in diplomacy. She served as an advisor on Disarmament and Security Affairs at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations in New York. With a fifteen-year career as a Myanmar career diplomat, she gained valuable experience working in Headquarters and Myanmar Embassies abroad. Notably, she spent over three years as a second secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Washington D.C., USA, and one year at the Consulate-General in Chiang-Mai, Thailand. She holds a bachelor's degree in English, specialized in 2004, and a Master Degree in Diplomacy and International Studies, earned in 2013 from Rangsit University, Bangkok. 

Kim Lal, Kim Lal, MPI Field Operations Manager in Asia, brings a wealth of experience as a former India-based Burmese pro-democracy activist. His involvement in various campaigns and advocacy work for the Democracy Movement in Burma has been instrumental in promoting the cause of democracy and human rights in the region. As MPI Coordinator in Asia, Kim Lal's dedication and expertise serve as valuable assets in strengthening the organization's impact and driving positive change in Myanmar.