With a background in community development, inclusive engagement, and strategic facilitation, Chris brings over 16 years of experience helping organizations, governments, and private sector entities build meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies. Passionate about collaboration, he brings international expertise in public participation, strategic communications, and group facilitation to every project.

Chris is a Certified Public Participation Practitioner (CP3) through the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and has led engagement and communications efforts on large-scale planning and development projects across the United States ranging in size from individual neighborhood projects to multi-state regional initiatives. His work emphasizes understanding the influence and impact of all individuals in a project and ensuring the right stakeholders are engaged from project start to support long-term, strategic implementation.

After years in government and private sector roles, he founded The Conversation Collaborative in 2025 to better assist communities, public agencies, and mission-driven organizations in navigating complex challenges through inclusive dialogue, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving. Learn more at www.TheConversationCollaborative.com

In addition to his consulting work, Chris is a working ceramic artist based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. His pottery - created under the name Cannonball Clay - reflects stories from his life journey and community experiences from across the globe. Follow Cannonball Clay on social media to see more of his art and process.

The Board of Directors should serve as the protector of IAP2’s mission and values while serving our member's evolving needs under today’s complex political climate. Like most members, I want to feel connected, heard, and supported. The Board must meet members where they are and listen closely to understand the direct experiences of our members and their emerging needs. We all bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a shared desire to do good work. Together, we can better support each other and strengthen our practices. When we lead alongside the members, we model the participatory values that we ask members to uphold. As a Board member, I would champion increased communications and member engagement, expanded opportunities for peer learning, and the creation of new tools and resources that reflect the challenges of our time.

Dynamic professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in financial services, community development, and affordable housing. I excel in using data to identify market expansion opportunities and enhance brand visibility. As a proven leader, I have successfully developed and executed strategic plans that improve financial outcomes, increase stakeholder value, and promote equity and inclusion. My background in project management has equipped me to thrive in fast-paced entrepreneurial environments, where I enjoy building strong partnerships that drive meaningful community initiatives. My commitment to fostering public participation ensures that diverse voices are heard, making me passionate about creating equitable solutions that empower communities. I look forward to leveraging my skills and experience in future endeavors.

I envision the Board of Directors working closely with and on behalf of our members by fostering open communication and building strong relationships. It's essential that the Board actively listens to members' feedback and needs, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. Members often seek meaningful opportunities for engagement, access to resources, and support in their endeavors within the organization. By understanding these needs, the Board can create initiatives that provide value, such as training programs, networking events, and collaborative projects that empower our members. As a Board member, I would focus on tapping into these contributions by encouraging members to share their skills and experiences. I would advocate for creating platforms where members can connect, collaborate, and share best practices. By working together and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a thriving community that truly reflects the diverse perspectives of our members. I'm excited about the potential to foster a supportive environment that drives our organization forward!