Mr. Craig Thiel

Research Director, Citizens Research Council

Craig Thiel is Research Director for the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a not-for-profit public policy research organization that celebrated its centennial birthday in 2016. Thiel has extensive knowledge of state, local and educational public policy issues that frame the CRC’s work. He has authored many CRC reports, including some recognized by the Governmental Research Association. His research focuses on education and school finance issues. Thiel joined the CRC’s full-time research staff in 2006 after serving as the Lent Upson-Loren Miller Fellow from 1993 to 1995. Prior to his return to the CRC, Thiel worked as a fiscal analyst for the Senate Fiscal Agency for six years and for the House Fiscal Agency for three years. Before working for the Michigan Legislature, Thiel worked for the Michigan Secretary of State, Office of Policy and Planning from 1995 to 1997. Thiel began his professional career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago in 1991. He holds an M.P.A. from Wayne State University and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Kalamazoo College. He holds positions on various professional, nonprofit and local government boards and associations.