Dan Cruce

Delaware State Senate, District 1

Dan will be the first out gay man elected to the Delaware State Senate!

Biography

Dan is a results-driven C-suite executive with extensive experience across the public policy, nonprofit, government, and education sectors. As Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Delaware (UWDE), Dan leads with purpose, guiding teams and collaborating with partners to create and implement strategies that support underserved individuals and strengthen communities. His approach centers on the belief that organizations and people thrive when they define their core purpose and operate authentically. His leadership style is rooted in his commitment to elevating communities and driving systemic change.

Before joining UWDE, Dan served as Education Vice President at the Hope Street Group, a national public policy nonprofit, where he worked to shape and advocate for policies that improve education. Prior to this, he held key leadership roles in the Delaware Department of Education, including Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff, and at the Christina School District, where he was Assistant Superintendent and Chief of Staff. In these roles, Dan developed a deep understanding of the complexities of education systems at local, state, and national levels, creating and executing policies that support educational equity and access.

Dan holds an undergraduate degree in International Affairs from James Madison University and a law degree from Delaware Law School. His professional journey also includes clerking for the Honorable Kent A. Jordan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as serving as Associate General Counsel for Corporation Service Company. Additionally, Dan worked for United States President Joseph R. Biden during Biden’s time as a U.S. Senator from Delaware, further honing his expertise in public policy and government affairs.

An engaged community leader, Dan has served in numerous leadership roles, including Board Chair Emeritus of the Delaware Humane Association and former Board Chair of both the Delaware Theatre Company and the Delaware Arts Consortium. He currently sits on the Board of the Delaware Community Foundation, chairs the Sussex County Health Coalition, and leads the Philanthropy Delaware Board of Directors. His extensive network and deep respect across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors highlight his effectiveness in coalition-building and consensus-driven leadership. Dan’s work focuses on creating meaningful impact for families and children throughout Delaware.