Once called a “thinking man’s conservative” by the Washington Times, Dan Coats has dedicated his life to public and community service and the Hoosier values of faith, family and freedom.
A graduate of Wheaton College, Dan began his service to our Nation in the United States Army before attending Indiana University School of Law, where he received his J.D. and was Associate Editor of the Law Review. After completing his studies at IU, Dan worked for a Fort Wayne life insurance company, followed by serving as District Representative for then-Congressman Dan Quayle. Dan was elected to serve both the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate.
As a legislator, Dan worked to cut taxes and limit spending – including new energy taxes – and helped reduce the deficit through spending cuts and entitlement reforms, all issues he continues to champion today.
He also focused on defense and national security issues having served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and Select Committee for Intelligence and advocated for a number of defense reforms and transformation initiatives.
Dan stepped down from the Senate honoring a term-limits pledge in 1999. He then joined former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole as Special Counsel with the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand.
In 2001, he was named Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. His second day on the job was September 11, 2001. Dan worked closely with a strong ally and friend during one of the most crucial periods in our Nation’s history. As Ambassador, Dan played a critical role in establishing robust relations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and in the construction of a new United States Embassy in the heart of Berlin next to the Brandenburg Gate.
After leaving Germany, Dan worked at the law firm of King & Spalding while continuing his community service, which started when he served as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He has served on the boards of many civic and volunteer organizations, including the Center for Jewish and Christian Values, which he co-chaired with Senator Joe Lieberman. Dan is also currently Co-Chair of the Indianapolis based Sagamore Institute for Policy.
Dan and his wife, Marsha, formed The Foundation For American Renewal to continue their engagement in faith-based initiatives. Dan received national recognition as the author and champion of the Project for American Renewal, a comprehensive initiative aimed at shifting power and funding from Washington directly to local, faith-based and non-profit groups which are successfully working to resolve many of the Nation’s social problems.
Dan and Marsha, who met in college, are the proud parents of three grown children and the grandparents of seven.
