Stauber is a retired philanthropic executive residing in Winston-Salem with his wife of 55 years, Hollis Stauber. A native of Statesville, NC, he has resided in eight different states and held senior positions at various grant-making foundations. He also served as Senate confirmed undersecretary at USDA. Much of his career focused on economic renewal in declining areas.
The author of numerous articles, Stauber holds an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, a certificate in management from the Harvard Business School, and a Ph. D. in public policy from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He took his first class at what would become Sawtooth School for Visual Arts over 50 years ago. He discovered that pottery is not his medium. He has been a wood turner and furniture maker for over 40 years and has works in numerous collections.