Welcome Message from Our Next CEO
About Chris Dauer
Chris spent nearly 15 years at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, serving as both COO and Chief Program Advancement Officer—as a trusted collaborator reporting directly to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. He also has two decades of experience in Silicon Valley leading for-profit companies, particularly in emerging medical technologies. Chris is an innovative leader with excellent problem-solving and management skills developed over the course of his career, with emphasis on strategy, business development, fundraising, and communications. He is known for building high-performance teams and complex networks, managing stakeholders across ideological and professional lines. During his time at Hoover, he helped the organization scale its public profile and prestigious cadre of fellows.
Chris grew up in Chicago and, after graduating from Brown University, returned to his home state of California to attend graduate school at Stanford before beginning his successful career in both for-profit and nonprofit endeavors. Today, he and his family live in Los Altos.
Professional Biography
Chris is an entrepreneurial leader with excellent problem-solving and management skills developed over nearly four decades in a variety of functions for both for-profit and non-profit organizations, with emphasis in strategy, business development, fundraising, and communications. He has extensive executive experience in developing, launching, and managing innovative programs and products and building high-performance teams.
During his time at Hoover, Chris oversaw the Institution’s research programming functions and the identification of funding strategies. Additionally, he managed Hoover’s general administrative and operations departments.
Previously he led Hoover’s strategic communications operations for twelve years, directing digital content, video offerings, and the Hoover Institution Press.
Prior to joining Hoover, Chris spent more than twenty years in the medical technology field focusing on marketing, sales, and strategy. He was a senior executive at four Silicon Valley startups: Invuity Inc. (acquired by Stryker), Evalve Inc. (acquired by Abbott Vascular), St. Francis Medical Technologies (acquired by Kyphon/Medtronic), and Fusion Medical Technologies (acquired by Baxter International).
Chris graduated magna cum laude in economics and history from Brown University and received an MBA from Stanford University.
Statements from Leadership
“I am pleased to welcome Chris to SPN and am committed to helping him onboard, making his transition into this leadership position as smooth as possible. I am excited about SPN’s future under Chris’ leadership. The Board chose someone who can build on what we’ve accomplished while bringing fresh capabilities to take us to the next level. Supporting our Affiliates as they build Durable Freedom Infrastructure and joining arms with our Partners as we defend federalism is at the heart of SPN and even though we’re entering the next chapter of our story, our commitment to fighting for state solutions that lead to national impact remains unwavering. I have no doubt our Network’s best days are still ahead.”- Tracie Sharp, President and CEO of State Policy Network
“Since joining Hoover, Chris’s leadership and commitment to our mission have left an enduring mark on our institution. He has helped to both shape and strengthen our operations, expand our impact through marketing and development, and cultivated lasting partnerships. SPN is gaining a leader with a steady hand, strong values, and a deep understanding of how to turn vision into impact.” – Condoleezza Rice, Director of the Hoover Institution
“Chris’ experience in accelerating and scaling both nonprofit and for-profit enterprises, coupled with his strong commitment to American federalism and leveraging the power of the 50 state Network to achieve enduring policy wins in the states, make him uniquely prepared to lead State Policy Network into this new season of growth and opportunity.” – Lawson Bader, Chair of State Policy Network’s Board of Directors
Connect with Our CEO at Annual Meeting
Hear from Chris and spend time with your peers at our 33rd Annual Meeting in New Orleans, August 25-28th!