ARLINGTON, VA. – Counterpart International is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Barluk as its new Director of Governance Programs. Michael brings to Counterpart more than 20 years of experience in political and public affairs, including as chief of staff and top aide to Federal Ministers in five portfolios, and in governance and legislative development in emerging democracies.
As Director of Governance Programs, Michael fills a critically important role as the externally-facing strategic and technical leader responsible for driving Counterpart’s strategy and expertise in the Governance field. Michael’s extensive background in USAID program design and leading complex democracy and governance programs worldwide makes him particularly well-suited for this position.
Prior to joining Counterpart, Michael was Sector Director for Democracy and Governance at Tetra Tech. In this role, he was responsible for a global portfolio of USAID-funded democracy and governance projects valued at $350 million. He previously served as Director – Governance with AECOM, managing a portfolio of projects based in Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt. Michael was based in the Middle East for nearly three years, serving as a Public Institution Reform Expert (Iraq) and a Governance Expert (Palestinian Authority) with the European Commission Delegation. He served for one year as National Governance Director – Iraq Program, with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) based in Baghdad, Iraq.
Prior to these roles, Michael worked as a senior political advisor to a series of Federal Cabinet Ministers in the Canadian Government. His roles included Legislative Aide, Press Secretary, Communications Director and Chief of Staff.
About Counterpart International
For over 50 years, Counterpart International has forged partnerships with communities and local organizations to build inclusive, sustainable communities in which people thrive. Our current project portfolio is focused on education, food security and agricultural development, effective governance, institutional strengthening, and economic development.
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