Michael Ronning, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, is the Mission Director for the USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia. From 2020-2024, Mr. Ronning served as the first USAID Country Representative to Laos. He led the rapid expansion of USAID Laos operations and a portfolio that included economic growth, energy, education, health, and governance. From 2017-2020, he served as the Director of the USAID Asia Bureau’s Office of Technical Services, managing technical and analytical support provided to Asia missions on democracy and governance, economic growth, health, education, environment, and energy.
Since joining USAID in 2005, Mr. Ronning has held numerous positions in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Washington. A significant portion of his career has focused on democracy, human rights, governance, and humanitarian affairs. Mr. Ronning has also had postings with USAID in Burma, Afghanistan, Iraq, Uganda, and West Bank and Gaza.
Prior to joining USAID, Mr. Ronning worked for American Councils for International Education in Russia and was a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Latvia. He holds a BA in international relations and Spanish and an MA in international relations. Mr. Ronning is married to Tatiana Ronning, a USAID Foreign Service Officer, and they have two sons.