Mikra Krasniqi is the Program Director for Policy and Program Learning (PPL) at CIPE. He manages a wide range of research programs and coordinates other cross-departmental projects. He has over 15 years of experience in economic development and policy research programs. Mikra joined CIPE in March 2021 after having spent more than six years as the State economist for Maryland Department of Commerce. Prior to that role, Mikra spent several years with the World Bank and International Finance Corporation where he worked in a variety of multi-year projects, including at the Bank’s Department of Research in Trade and Integration, and IFC’s International and Trade and Investment Unit. Mikra holds a BA from Wartburg College, and master’s degrees from George Mason University, Harvard University, and Columbia University.