Chris Spence
Colorado - USA
National Democratic Institute For International Affairs

Biography:

Chris Spence is the director of technology strategy and programs with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI). In this capacity he coordinates the technology components of Institute programs to promote and strengthen democracy around the world. He joined NDI in 1996 as its first staff person specializing in the area 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. His technology career started in Silicon Valley with 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).