Executive Leadership

William (Bill) Lee is chief economist at the Milken Institute. He leads the Institute’s effort to develop collaborative policies to improve access to and the functioning of capital markets, strengthen financial stability and the soundness of financial institutions, and foster global macroeconomic, financial, and regulatory conditions to bolster job creation.

Michael Klowden is the executive vice chairman of the board of the Milken Institute. For 21 years prior to assuming this role, he was the Institute’s CEO.

Conrad Kiechel is executive director of global programming and events at the Milken Institute. In that role, he oversees all the signature convenings of the Institute, including its annual Global Conference. He is also the publisher of the Milken Institute Review, a journal of economic policy.

Laura Deal Lacey is the Executive Vice President of International at the Milken Institute, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the Institute’s global initiatives. As the first employee of the Milken Institute in Asia, Deal Lacey was instrumental in establishing its center, programs, and activities in the Asia Pacific region. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to strategically grow the Institute’s presence across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. A dual citizen of the United States and Brazil, Deal Lacey has lived and worked on four continents. She serves on the board of FWD Insurance (Group) and is a member of the advisory board for The Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics at Singapore Management University.

Michael S. Piwowar, PhD, is the executive vice president of Milken Institute Finance. Piwowar served as a commissioner at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from August 15, 2013, to July 6, 2018.

Melissa Stevens is the executive vice president of Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy, leading its work with individual and family philanthropists and foundations seeking to make a transformative, sustainable impact. Since co-founding Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy in 2015, she has overseen the creation and execution of philanthropic strategies that have influenced more than $3 billion in capital and built an unmatched network for donors to collaborate and amplify their impact.

Diane Ty is the managing director of the Milken Institute Future of Aging, leading efforts to advance healthy longevity and financial security through a life course perspective on aging.

Esther Krofah is the executive vice president of Health at the Milken Institute, leading FasterCures, Public Health, the Future of Aging, and Feeding Change. A recognized expert in health policy, biomedical innovation, and clinical research, Krofah has extensive experience shaping health initiatives that unite diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, and motivate action toward shared goals.

Sung Hee Choe is the managing director on the FasterCures team at the Milken Institute. She is responsible for overseeing FasterCures' day-to-day operations, setting strategy, and delivering on initiatives in biomedical innovation and global health.

Richard Ditizio is the CEO of the Milken Institute, responsible for all pillars and departments across the organization's global footprint. Under his leadership, the Institute expanded its staff and programmatic work to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.