Mary Sue Bissell is President of the US-Asia Institute (USAI), a position she has held since September 2018. She came to USAI at its founding, working with co-founders Esther G. Kee and Joji Konoshima as Director of Programs and Publications and Director of Administration from 1979-84. Ms. Bissell returned to USAI in 1987, serving as Executive Director until 1990. She returned for a 3rd time in December 2001 as Trustee, Vice President & Executive Director. While at USAI, Ms. Bissell has sought to build understanding and strengthen relations between the United States and Asia through organizing high-level conferences and policy dialogues, managing people-to-people exchange programs including Congressional Member and staff delegations to various Asian countries, and connecting political, business, government, academic and emerging leaders.

She also served as USAI’s Secretariat administrator for the US-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) for 2.5 years. Ms. Bissell has over 40 years of experience. In addition to her work at USAI, she has managed the nation’s largest in-school educational touring program, directed marketing for a top 10 aquarium, led public relations efforts for US Army assets across Hawaii, and managed the administrative and logistical facets of a major Pacific Rim telecommunications membership organization, where she organized the programmatic aspects of the first ever three-node teleconference connecting Washington DC – Honolulu – Hong Kong. She has received numerous local, state and national awards and recognition for writing, public speaking and community service.

Ms. Bissell is a graduate of the University of South Dakota. She is married with two daughters.

Anna Bunn is the Director of Programs and Communications at the US-Asia Institute. She first joined USAI in 2022 as a Program Assistant. In 2024, she received her MLitt in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She also completed her undergraduate studies in International Relations at St Andrews. While at university she competed on the women's tennis team and was an active member of the Japan and Foreign Affairs societies. Originally from Hawaii, Anna enjoys all things outdoors. In her free time, she can be found hiking, playing tennis, or learning new instruments and languages. 

Elsbeth Purdy is Executive Assistant at the US-Asia Institute. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and Master of Library and Information Sciences from Catholic University of America, Washington DC. She has supported USAI as a volunteer while being employed by the DC Public Library system for the past 15 years. At the library she developed and conducted engaging library programs and events for diverse age groups. She also collaborated with colleagues on scheduling, planning events, and strategic design of future library operations. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, and travel. 

James Bole is a fourth year at the American University School of International Service, where he specializes in global development in East Asia. In college, James is a member of the American University Model UN team and helps run AMERIMUNC, a High School Model UN Conference. Outside of school, he has interned for the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and the US State Department’s Education USA Program. He is excited to learn more about program organizing and contributing to USAI this spring!

Jie Xin Ching (pronounced: jay-shin) is a member of the Class of 2026 in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is majoring in International Politics, focusing on Foreign Policy, and pursuing an Asian Studies certificate. She is an international student born and raised in Singapore, though she also has Malaysian citizenship. At Georgetown University, Jie Xin currently serves as the Executive Director of the 62nd North American Invitational Model UN Nations. Before this role, Jie Xin was Deputy Director for the Advocacy and Service sub-board of the Georgetown International Relations Club, raising on-campus awareness of issues such as menstrual inequity and food inequality. Outside of Georgetown, Jie Xin has worked as a summer assistant teacher in Singapore, helping to teach fourth and fifth graders. Through USAI, Jie Xin is excited to expand her knowledge of US-Asia interactions and is especially eager to research and advocate for issues within the Southeast Asian region.

Jena Musmar recently graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor's degree in International Politics. After studying abroad at Thailand's Thammasat University and working in Middle Eastern political affairs, Jena has shifted her research to examining South-east Asian hegemony and the role Asian criminal justice systems serve in upholding foreign policy objectives. Taking on this internship just before she becomes a JD candidate, Jena hopes to use the knowledge learned at USAI to accompany her pursuit of International Law!

Patrick Wilson is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Economics and Mathematics. During his studies, he honed his analytical skills through coursework in econometrics, economic forecasting, and the application of data for economic policy. He is interested in examining how rapid advancements in digital innovation influence trade dynamics among East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the United States, specifically focusing on their impacts on economic policies and supply chain integration. Patrick enjoys the outdoors, highlighted by his completion of the Colorado Trail this past summer. He is excited to work as a program assistant for the USAI, hoping he can bring his analytical expertise and his organization skills to make a meaningful impact!