About Us
Chris Mustain is the President & Founder of Innovation Advocates. Chris is an accomplished government affairs professional with deep knowledge of how Washington works. He brings an extensive bipartisan network in the science, technology and business communities to each task he undertakes.Prior to founding Innovation Advocates, Chris was the IBM Corporation's lead US executive for innovation policy. He played important roles in enacting the America COMPETES Act and securing appropriations increases for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of Science, and key accounts at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Defense Department, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
In addition to his corporate experience, Chris has managed an international trade association, the European-American Business Council, and served as a legislative analyst in the White House Office of Management and Budget. He's been featured on National Public Radio's Marketplace and written for Presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, CEOs and Members of Congress.
Chris earned a Masters degree in 1991 from Georgetown University in International Business-Government Relations. He completed majors in Political Science, Economics, and German at Heidelberg University in Ohio for his Bachelors Degree.
Please contact Chris at (571) 594-1879 or cmustain@innovationadvocates.com
"I've consistently been impressed by Chris' ability to survey an issue space, identify the key leverage points, and develop effective advocacy geared for those points. His approach is thoughtful, detail-oriented and focused on using the appropriate resources at the optimum times." - Peter Harsha, Director of Government Relations, Computing Research Association
“Chris combines strong leadership skills with deep analytical prowess and highly developed interpersonal and communications ability. He is able to quickly size up a situation and develop a plan to move forward." - Peter Rooney, former Deputy Chief of Staff, House Science Committee
"I have worked with Chris for nearly 10 years. He has a history of excellent business accomplishments and has been an outstanding contributor to all of our efforts. I heartily recommend him.” - John Palafoutas, President, National Inventors Hall of Fame
"Chris is a creative worker who was very helpful in shaping bipartisan legislation to increase support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.” - Jason Mulvihill, former Chief Counsel to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
"Chris is a creative worker who was very helpful in shaping bipartisan legislation to increase support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.” - Jason Mulvihill, former Chief Counsel to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
