ARLINGTON, VA (January 27, 2025) – Today, State Policy Network (SPN) announced it will begin a nationwide search to find a successor for its President and CEO Tracie J. Sharp. Sharp, who has led the organization for more than two decades and has been instrumental in its growth and effectiveness, will continue to serve as President and CEO until her successor is in place. Following the transition, she will remain actively involved in SPN as Strategic Advisor, staying deeply engaged in Network relations, serving as an ambassador for the state Network. SPN is a leading non-profit organization fostering collaboration among state-focused think thanks to advance free-market solutions.
Sharp originally joined the free market movement in 1988 and has served as President and CEO of SPN since 1999. During that time, she has spearheaded a period of significant expansion and impact for the organization and the larger Network. Established in 1992 as an independent, 501(c)(3) organization, SPN serves as a connector and policy catalyst, growing from 22 member think tanks to an influential Network of 100 national partners and over 62 state-based organizations that work to develop and promote public policy solutions at the state level, aligning with SPN’s core values of limited government, individual liberty, and economic freedom.
“Tracie has been an extraordinary leader for SPN,” said SPN Board Chair Lawson Bader. “Under her guidance, the Network has grown dramatically, expanding its reach to all 50 states. We are grateful for her foresight and dedication to SPN’s mission. Her decision to transition to a new role, focusing on donor relations and developing Network leaders, ensures a seamless leadership transition and positions the organization for continued success. We are excited to continue collaborating with Tracie and look forward to identifying a CEO who will lead us into the next phase of growth and impact.”
“It’s never easy to step away from a role I’ve been so deeply invested in,” said Sharp. “The Network, our donors, our CEOs and of course our staff are part of my family and always will be. After 25 years as CEO, I am proud of the team we have built and confident that a new CEO will step into a winning organization and succeed. A transition such as this, when an organization is strong, provides even greater promise of Network strength in the future.
“I am committed to supporting SPN through this leadership transition and look forward to mentoring leaders, building strong relationships with our growing community of donors, and serving as a Network ambassador for state-based initiatives.”
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
The SPN Board of Directors has initiated a professional search for a new President and CEO to lead the organization into the future. The Board is committed to finding a qualified individual who shares SPN’s vision and values and will take the organization into the future. This transition is well-timed as the organization is financially secure, has a strong and unified Board, and has a long-term strategic plan in place.
About State Policy Network
State Policy Network (SPN) is a leading non-profit organization working to advance freedom and opportunity through a Network of state-focused think tanks. SPN provides its members with a wide range of resources and support, fostering collaboration and promoting effective public policy solutions at the state level.
