Chris Wheat

Chris Wheat (he/him) is Executive Director of the Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Strategy at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The Stigler Center focuses on the research and dissemination of ideas around issues of political economy, including the role of special interests in markets and government.

Chris joined the Center from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he worked alongside mayors to adopt environmental policies as Strategy and City Engagement Director for the American Cities Climate Challenge.

Before NRDC, Chris spent seven years in various roles in the Office of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, including Chief of Policy, Chief Sustainability Officer, and Innovation Delivery Team Director.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Chris holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.