Trailblazing CEO Tracie Sharp, Who Built 50-State Policy Powerhouse, Stepping Down at SPN

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Tracie Sharp, the longtime president and CEO of State Policy Network, announced Monday she will step down from her leadership position after greatly expanding the organization’s reach and influence over the past 25 years.

State Policy Network, or SPN, grew from 22 members to more than 62 state-based organizations and 100 partners during Sharp’s quarter-century of leadership.

“It’s never easy to step away from a role that has been such a meaningful part of my life,” Sharp said in a statement shared with The Daily Signal. “The network, our donors, our CEOs, and our staff are like family to me, and that will never change. After 25 years as CEO, I am incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and confident that SPN is positioned for continued success under new leadership—making this the right time for this transition.”

SPN is commencing a nationwide search for its next president and CEO. Sharp will remain in the job until a successor is hired, then move to the role of strategic adviser.

“I am excited to support SPN through this process,” Sharp said, “and look forward to remaining highly involved in network relations, serving as an ambassador for the state network, mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening connections with our growing network of donors.”

Over the past 25 years, state-based policy organizations have exploded in number. SPN serves as a strategic connector, offering advice, training, and resources to the groups.

Conservative lawmakers rely on organizations like SPN and its members to develop policy ideas, refine communications tactics, and ultimately enact legislation.

With so much gridlock in Washington, states have an increasingly important role in public policy debates. Conservatives are poised to capitalize in 2025 after making electoral gains in the 2025 election. Republicans currently control 57 chambers compared to Democrats’ 39, according to Ballotpedia. Republicans have full control of the legislative process in 24 states; Democrats have full control in 15.

SPN is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, originally founded in 1992, and focused on the values of limited government, individual liberty, and economic freedom. As its leader, Sharp helped its members make advancements on government transparency, K-12 education reform, donor privacy, and job creation.

Sharp started working in public policy in 1988 with the Washington Policy Center and helped launch the Cascade Policy Institute in 1991, Oregon’s free-market think tank. She joined SPN in 1992 and became its president and CEO in 1999.

The organization’s 62 independent partner organizations have a vibrant presence in all 50 states. Collectively, they employ more than 1,000 staff members.

“Tracie has been an extraordinary leader,” SPN board chairman Lawson Bader said in a statement. “Under her guidance, SPN has experienced remarkable growth and transformation, becoming a powerful connector and policy accelerator for organizations across the country. Her decision to propose this transition reflects her deep commitment to SPN’s mission and values.”

SPN’s board of directors includes leaders from state and national organizations, many who have experience with CEO transitions. The organization touted its “solid financial foundation, strong board governance, and a clear strategic vision” in its announcement. SPN has an annual budget of $27 million.

Under her leadership of SPN, Sharp provided seed funding to launch organizations such as Talent Market, a recruiting firm, and People United for Privacy, whose mission is dedicated to protecting citizen privacy. She served as an adviser and directed initial funding to launch American Juris Link, a network of lawyers committed to advancing freedom and the rule of law.

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