NDI Staff: Biographies
Chris Spence
Chris Spence is NDI's Chief Technology Officer. In this capacity he coordinates the technology components of NDI programs to promote and strengthen democracy around the world, as well as oversees the internal technology strategy for the Institute itself. He joined NDI in 1996 as its first staff person to specialize in of information technology (IT), based in Windhoek, Namibia. In 2001, Mr. Spence was appointed senior advisor for ICT programs to establish this new area of democracy programming for the Institute. During his tenure with NDI, he has conducted or consulted on successful IT programs in dozens of countries from field offices in Namibia and South Africa, as well as from Washington, DC. Areas of specialization include ICT and e-governance projects, including working with legislatures, local government, election monitoring, political parties and civil society organizations in developing countries and emerging democracies.
Mr. Spence brings to NDI a combination of IT and international relations expertise. He started his technology career in 1986 in Silicon Valley with positions in several companies including Oracle Corporation, Netscape Communications and Triad Systems. His academic credentials include a Bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in Physical Science (1985) and completed Master's degree coursework in International Relations at San Francisco State University (1994-96).