State Policy Network (SPN), a national organization committed to fighting for federalism and building Durable Freedom Infrastructure across the country, has named Christopher S. Dauer as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Dauer succeeds Tracie Sharp, who will remain with SPN in a strategic advisory role after more than two decades of leadership.

Dauer brings decades of experience in nonprofit and private-sector leadership to SPN, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Program Advancement Officer at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. There, he led organization-wide strategy, advancement, and operations, reporting directly to former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Prior to his work at Hoover, Dauer held executive roles in Silicon Valley, scaling growth-stage ventures and building collaborative teams in innovation-driven environments.

“Since joining Hoover, Chris’s leadership and commitment to our mission have left an enduring mark on our institution,” said Condoleezza Rice, Director of the Hoover 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.”

“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,” said Lawson Bader, Chair of SPN’s Board of Directors.

The appointment comes as SPN moves into the next phase of its long-term strategic objectives, which focuses on building Durable Freedom Infrastructure in the states by investing in the people, ideas, and state solutions that shape public policy. Dauer brings a collaborative leadership style, fundraising leadership experience, and a vision aligned with the Network’s mission to catalyze and defend liberty in the states.

“I am honored to join the talented team at State Policy Network and build on the incredible legacy that Tracie and the Board have shaped,” said Dauer. “This Network is doing the most vital policy and civil society work in America—empowering citizens, equipping leaders, and advancing freedom from the ground up. I look forward to listening, learning, and supporting the Network as we write its next chapter together.”

Heidrick & Struggles, a leading executive search firm, managed the nationwide search process to identify SPN’s next leader.

Dauer will officially begin in his new role this fall. He will participate in SPN’s 33rd Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, where he will meet with affiliates, donors, and partners across the Network.

Learn more about Dauer here.

For press inquiries, reach out to Camille Walsh at walsh@spn.org.