Staff

Zo Tum Hmung

President & CEO

Click HERE to view PDF of Mr. Hmung’s bio.

Zo Tum Hmung is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Burma Research Institute (formerly known as the Chin Association of Maryland, Inc.). He previously co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Ethnic Nationalities Affairs Center-Union of Burma (ENAC), a research center that supports the peace process and development of democratic institutions in Burma. Mr. Hmung completed his Master in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard University’s Kennedy School, concentrating on foreign policy and negotiations. He earned another master’s degree with a concentration in Christian Faith and Public Policy from Eastern University’s Palmer Seminary. He also graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology (Christianity) in Burma. He was born in Chin State, Burma, and currently lives with his family in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Dr. Jenny Siegel

Manager of Research

Dr. Siegel is Assistant Professor, BSW and MSW Practicum Director in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Esther Far Chin Par

Coordinator of Research and Advocacy

Esther Far Chin Par is currently a PhD student in Heath Services and System Research in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Esther holds a BA in Biology with a Health Sciences concentration and an MPH specializing in Health Policy and Management. She currently serves as the Coordinator of Advocacy and Research at the Burma Research Institute, where she leads efforts to support and advocate for the Chin community.

Virginia Farris

Policy Advisor

Ms. Farris became Policy Advisor of the Burma Research Institute (formerly known as the Chin Association of Maryland) after retiring from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops where she covered Asia and human rights in their Office of International Justice and Peace. During her almost 17 years with USCCB, she accompanied U.S. bishops on solidarity visits to a number of Asian nations, including Burma/Myanmar. Prior to working with USCCB, Virginia served as a Public Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State with tours in six foreign countries as well as in Washington, DC. She has a Masters in National Security Studies from the National War College as well as degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.