Michael Finnell is the President and CEO of Youth For Understanding USA, a position he assumed in August of 2002. Prior to this he served as Deputy Director in the International Secretariat of Youth For Understanding where he was the country liaison to each of the YFU partner organizations throughout the Asia and Pacific region. Mr. Finnell has twenty years of experience in the international education and cultural exchange field. Previously, he was the Director of World Affairs Programs at Meridian International Center, an Associate for Training and Member Services at the National Council for International Visitors, a Staff Associate at the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs and a Program Assistant at the Liaison Group for International Educational Exchange. He holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a M.A. in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Finnell has also previously resided in Japan, Italy and Germany for twelve years.