About
David F. Demarest is a Lecturer in Management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), specializing in Organizational Behavior. He previously served as Stanford’s senior public affairs official for 14 years, overseeing government relations, communications, and community relations. Now retired, he continues teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on political communication, strategy, and crisis leadership at Stanford. His consulting firm, AspenLine Reputation Strategies, focuses on executive training and strategic counsel. His research and teaching emphasize leadership communication, crisis management, and non-market forces impacting business.
Demarest’s courses include Political Communication: How Leaders Become Leaders and Making Sense of Strategy, reflecting his expertise in strategic communication and organizational behavior. He has contributed to media insights on crisis leadership during the pandemic, political polarization in workplaces, and effective communication under pressure. His executive education programs address risk management and reputation strategies.
Demarest’s career bridges academia and practical leadership, with a focus on equipping leaders to navigate complex external environments, including legislative, regulatory, and media challenges. He has advised organizations on building resilience through non-market strategies and maintaining stakeholder trust during crises.
