Mark Wallem has over 25 years experience in law, politics and international development.  Mr. Wallem has served 12 years with NDI, directing the Institute’s offices and programs in the Philippines, Cambodia, Ukraine and Nepal, where he currently serves as senior country director.  NDI's programs in Nepal focus on political parties, elections and parliamentary strengthening. 

In 2009 and 2010, Mr. Wallem served as the deputy regional program director, East and Southeast Asia, for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (now U.N. Women), based in Bangkok, Thailand.  U.N. Women conducts regional programs on migration, the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and HIV/AIDS. 

Prior to his career in international development, Mr. Wallem worked for 10 years with the majority caucus in the Minnesota State Senate, assisting the president of the senate and managing senate committees, including judiciary and crime prevention.  In addition to his legislative work, Mr. Wallem has long been active in the Democratic Party of the United States and has served in various party offices, including national delegate. 

He earned an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.