Since 2007, Mark Strand has been President of the Congressional Institute, overseeing the non-profit founded in 1987 that is dedicated to helping Members of Congress better serve their constituents and helping their constituents better understand the operations of the national legislature. Strand is a 2017 Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Fellow. He is also an adjunct professor of legislative affairs at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, and the coauthor of the book Surviving Inside Congress. He also writes on The Sausage Factory blog, which provides an inside look at legislative strategies and procedures. Strand spent nearly 24 years on Capitol Hill in both the House and the Senate, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Senator Jim Talent (R-MO). He served as the Staff Director of the House Committee on Small Business when Talent was Chairman. He was also Chief of Staff for Reps. Bill Lowery (R-CA) and Stan Parris (R-VA). He has also served as a Legislative Director and a Press Secretary on Capitol Hill.
