NDI Names New Director of Women's Political Participation

NDI welcomes Susan Markham as the Institute’s director of women’s political participation.

Markham, who received her B.A. in political science and international studies from Ohio State University and her master’s in public policy from George Washington University, served as finance director for the Ohio Democratic Party, campaign manager for several statewide campaigns and director of Senate Services at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Markham joined EMILY’s List in 2005 to manage its Campaign Corps program, then its Political Opportunity Program (POP) before she was named deputy political director. In that role she supervised the POP and political training programs – recruiting, training and supporting women candidates running for statewide, legislative and local office in 35 states.

“NDI will benefit measurably from Susan’s extensive experience as a practitioner in enhancing women’s political leadership,” said NDI President Kenneth Wollack.

NDI organizes programs across the globe to increase the number and effectiveness of women in political life. Institute programs have supported women civic activists, voters, candidates, political party representatives and elected leaders in the belief that as more women become politically involved, institutions will become more responsive to the needs of all citizens. At any given time, nearly 75 percent of NDI country programs have a dedicated component addressing women’s political participation – in government, legislatures, political parties and civil society.

Published May 21, 2010