Robert Hurd is NDI’s director of program development, supporting the Institute’s efforts to design, develop, and secure new projects and funding opportunities. Before joining NDI in 2004, Mr. Hurd managed program development efforts at the Institute of International Education (IIE), where he was responsible for identifying new project opportunities, proposal design and development, and liaising with potential partners. Prior to IIE, Mr. Hurd spent 10 years at America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST), where he served progressively as senior program officer, coordinator and director of business development services. In the latter capacity, he directed and managed all U.S. government, foreign government, and private sector bids and proposals, including the evaluation of individual business prospects, the organization of proposal teams, the development of marketing strategies and the design of new commercial services. Mr. Hurd earned a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Virginia and an M.B.A. from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.