Ph.D., Economics, Specialization in Macroeconomics Modeling, Economic Development and Natural Resources, University of Texas at Austin.

Postgraduate degree, Investment Projects, INCAE Business School.

M.A., Economics with emphasis in International Economics, University of New Orleans.

B.A., Economics, University of New Orleans.

Dr. Mario Arana has had a distinguished career in international business; he is a consultant and advisor to international private companies and multilateral banks on trade policies, export promotion, and investment development. He has been on the boards of energy companies and investment funds working in Central America.

Dr. Arana has experience in Public Policy, Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Development, Project Finance, Renewable Energy, Strategic Planning, and Large Investment Projects Management. He teaches Managerial Economics, International Business, and Leadership Development at Keiser University.

 Until 2007, he was the president of the Central Bank of Nicaragua, and previous to that, Minister of Finance and Minister of Development, Industry, and Trade in charge of leading the negotiations of Nicaragua and the Central American Free Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA). While being Trade Minister, he was a leading proponent of furthering Central American Economic Integration. He has been a governor representing Nicaragua at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. 

He has published research papers on macroeconomic and adjustment policies, trade, foreign debt, and poverty reduction. He earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.