Mark Keam
President of the Korean American Institute
Mark Lee Keam leads the Korean American Institute, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to produce insightful and actionable research to improve decision making on issues facing Korean Americans. Mark came to KAI in early 2024 after a long career in public service and advocacy. He has held elected office as a Virginia state lawmaker, served in politically appointed roles for two Presidents, and was the top legal advisor to a United States Senate Whip.
In the private sector, Mark was a lead in-house lobbyist for a Fortune 15 company, president of a national Asian American chamber of commerce, and an entrepreneur. Over three decades, Mark has worked on numerous political campaigns, including successfully leading a presidential primary campaign in the largest county of a swing state.
Born in Seoul, Mark immigrated to the United States as a teenager and has maintained close ties with the Korean American community. With bilingual and bicultural skills, he has worked with dozens of community-based organizations that serve immigrant and minority communities. Mark studied political science and law in the University of California system.