Michael Padraic Murphy is the director of NDI's Belarus programs. Mr. Murphy has worked in Eurasia on various political, survey research, citizen engagement, issue advocacy and NGO development projects since April of 2007.

Prior to joining NDI, Mr. Murphy worked in Democratic party politics in the U.S., specializing in political campaign management and grassroots citizen organizing at the federal, state and local level. He has experience working for the U.S. Senate, managing multiple federal and state legislative campaigns, organizing large scale grassroots efforts, fundraising, coordinating public relations, and statewide political management experience.

Immediately prior to joining NDI, Mr. Murphy served as the executive director and campaign director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. During his tenure there, he was responsible for overseeing the party's short term programming and long term development. He was also responsible for planning and managing the party's highly successful campaign efforts during the 2006 election period.

In addition to his political experience, Mr. Murphy has traveled to over 20 countries and he has lived in both Central America and Europe. He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in history, international relations and political science.