Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer
Brand Strategy, Communications, Fundraising, Non-profit Management
California State University-Northridge
With more than 25 years of marketing experience, Chris began his career in market research before moving to an advertising agency. He later transitioned to the automotive industry, first with American Isuzu Motors, then Hyundai Motor America and, finally, General Motors.
At Hyundai, Chris worked in a variety of marketing and strategic planning roles, completing his tenure as vice president of marketing. During that time, Chris oversaw the establishment of a global brand strategy, identified new product opportunities and launched several marketing initiatives, including the groundbreaking Hyundai Assurance program. Advertising Age recognized Hyundai as Marketer of the Year for the campaign.
In 2010, Chris was recruited to General Motors as vice president of marketing for Chevrolet, where he launched several new marketing initiatives and products, including the award-winning Chevy Runs Deep advertising campaign, as well as the all-new Cruze, Sonic, Silverado and C7 Corvette. He also helped reintroduce Chevy into Indy Car racing. While at GM, the Detroit Free Press recognized him with the Automotive Leadership Award for marketing and advertising. He was also recognized by GM with the African Ancestry Network for Diversity Leadership award.
Chris has served as a board member for United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the GM Foundation and is the former board chair of Beyond Basics, former governor of Opportunity International and has served as a member of the JDRF Marketing Committee.
After serving in the private sector, Chris, who is deeply committed to the community, shifted career tracks to join United Way for Southeastern Michigan as a consultant before accepting a full-time position. During his tenure he has overseen a variety of functions, including marketing, public relations, corporate development, donor relations, volunteer engagement and labor relations. He also leads the marketing committee, which seeks to ensure positive brand representation and community engagement by recommending goals and strategies, as well as the volunteer engagement committee, which promotes positive and impactful volunteer experiences throughout the region by formulating and recommending volunteer engagement strategy and policies.
He and his wife Roxanne have two adult children, and he enjoys cooking, golf, volunteering and spending time with friends and family.