Chris is the Executive Director of Carroll Technology & Innovation Council, a 501c3 organization that focuses on access to technology, building a strong technology workforce, digital skills and inclusion, and education around cybersecurity in agriculture.
Before joining the nonprofit sector, Chris was a former leader with Starbucks and Best Buy. At Starbucks he oversaw the largest location in Virginia leading regional stores in employee and customer satisfaction. During his time with Best Buy he was selected to open new stores in Northern California and train staff throughout the country. He guided his stores to be consistently one of the best in the country becoming the top revenue generating store for 6 months straight. Beyond his work, Chis is Certified in Humane Technology and collaborates with developers to create new and innovative ways for people to benefit from technology while still considering the. social and environmental impacts. Chris is passionate about finding ways to use technology to improve the human experience. He has an extensive history launching and growing multiple businesses in the retail and non-profit sectors and still enjoys learning about the ever-changing technological landscape.
Chris attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland where he received a B.A. in psychology. He serves on the Carroll County Workforce Development Board Executive Team, the Maryland Nonprofits Accelerator Advisory Board, and is a member of the Rural Maryland Council. Believing in the need for strong communities he is also actively involved in Hey, Westminster, Rotary, and Braver Angels. Chris also has 10 years of experience as an educator and coach in public and private schools in Maryland, Virginia, and California.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family. Include your pets too!
My wife and I have been married for 10 years and we have 2 terrier mixes Mojo and Dexter.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started my career with large corporate retail, Starbucks and Best Buy, these companies gave me a great base to understand business. After about 15 years in that sector I began working in nonprofit and higher education, these fields are truly where my passion lies. I especially enjoy my work with CTIC because I am able to figure out how to leverage technology solutions to help businesses make great choices and run more efficiently and also help individuals and communities be the best version of themselves by better understanding technology tools.
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song and why does it resonate with you?
Every moment of your life is a chance to get it right, every moment you’ve been living in, you can turn it on like a light. – Monotov’s Private Opera, Third Eye Blind
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be Intentional, Keep Learning, Embrace Technology Tools, Have Fun, Don’t Fear Failure
Q: What are a couple of your favorite places or events in our community?
Lost Lion, Hill Y of Westminster, & The Carroll Arts Center
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Westminster or looking to move to Westminster?
Westminster is full of great places to eat, great people to talk with, and great open spaces to explore, take advantage of them.
Q: What 3 words come to mind when you think of Westminster?
History, Innovative, Strong
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Basketball, Pickleball, Football, Soccer, Theater, Dance
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Boot Scootin Boogie
Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
Opening the first Best Buy Mobile in Northern California
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
Travel Europe
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would by my siblings and parents houses/pay off there house.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I was a certified swing dance instructor
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (life, school, work, family, health, etc)
I lost my first job in higher education after 7 years of service because the school was reducing their workforce by 25%.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My mother Nancy, she has taught me important values including kindness, strength, and curiosity.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where in Westminster would you meet for this lunch?
Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, I heard a podcast by him and his thoughts on leadership is a topic I would like to explore further with him. I would take him to Lost Lion.
Q: How can our readers and I know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection for you or a good person for you to meet? Please include your website link if you have one!
https://carrolltechcouncil.org/
