At State Policy Network’s 30^th Annual Meeting, Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, was presented with the 2022 Overton Award.

The Overton Award recognizes nonprofit leaders in the state-based, free-market Network who embody the qualities of leadership, loyalty, humility, and support for the cause of liberty. The award is named after Joe Overton, a respected and beloved member of the liberty movement, who sadly passed before his time. Overton was senior vice president at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy and the creator of what is now widely known as the “Overton Window,” a teaching tool that gets people to understand the importance of putting ideas ahead of political action.

Like Joe Overton, the award honors leaders who give their time, talent, and experience to support their peers and build up other state-based leaders.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a nonpartisan organization that promotes and defends liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation. Greg started at the Foundation in 2007. He has held various roles over the years, including director of operations, chief operating officer, and executive director. In 2021, Greg was promoted to CEO, succeeding Kevin Roberts, who became president of The Heritage Foundation in Washington.

Sindelar instrumental in the Foundation’s growth and work to help Texans thrive

In his positions, Greg managed the Foundation’s significant growth—which averaged more than 25 percent per year. He oversaw the Foundation’s policy efforts and the opening of the Foundation’s Washington, DC, office in 2018. Greg was also instrumental in the Foundation’s Servant Leadership Training, which helps train junior staff on how to be servant leaders for the advancement of the conservative movement. Roberts explained:

“What Greg did was bring to life this idea that people in the policy world could go with their arms open to the Legislature, members of Congress, staff members, and members of other think tanks, and say ‘what can we do to serve you?’”

The Foundation brings that mentality into each campaign they work on, including their work to advance a conservative budget model in Texas. Under Greg’s leadership, the Foundation worked tirelessly for years to develop and encourage adoption of such a budget, which prevents state governments from burdening citizens with higher taxes they can’t afford. Texas passed this reform in 2015, and several states have followed its lead since then.

In his work to pass similar policies that help Texans thrive, Greg has worked closely with state lawmakers, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott offered his congratulations to Greg for receiving the Overton Award, noting: “No one is more deserving of this award than you are. You have been a tireless advocate for good public policy and a servant leader for the great state of Texas.”

Greg also reflected on what this award means to him, adding:

“It is just an incredible honor to be awarded the Overton Award. Joe Overton is one of the true giants of our movement and when I think about his contributions and the past winners it is incredibly humbling. 

This award, however, is more about TPPF and the organization we have built than any one person. That spirit of servant leadership, loyalty, humility, and teamwork that Joe exemplified throughout his career we work hard every day to honor as part of our culture at TPPF.”

Congratulations, Greg! It’s inspiring to see a Network leader embody Joe Overton’s qualities of leadership, loyalty, and humility.