Duane Dankesreiter is Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation at the Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC). He oversees the research team which is responsible for creating research products that support the DRC’s strategic focus areas. He also leads the DRC’s activities around the launch and growth of innovation in DFW by connecting entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, and the business community. Dankesreiter co-founded Dallas Innovates, the DRC’s online publication covering innovation across Dallas-Fort Worth, was part of a community effort to launch Venture Dallas, an organization focused on connecting venture capital to startups in Dallas-Fort Worth. Dankesreiter joined the DRC in August 2009. He previously led demographic and economic data research efforts at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for 14 years. He serves on numerous boards, including Visit Dallas, UNT Dallas School of Business Executive Board, SMU’s Innovation Council, and serves as Vice President of the Cedar Hill Economic Development Board. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Public Affairs (M.P.A) degree from the University of Texas - Dallas.