Chris joined the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation as a Trustee in January 2025.
Born in New York and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Chris attended the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, CA) – home of The Bisons – and obtained a commission through the Officer Candidate Course Program in 1991. After completing the Basic School, he attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, graduation in 1992.
Chris served during peacetime and in combat in numerous staff and command billets in the operating forces and support establishments. Chris commanded Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, the 11th Marine Regiment (The Cannon Cockers) and topped off his 31-year career as the Commander Officer of the Marine Artillery Detachment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Upon retirement in 2022 Chris took a position with the Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation until August 2024. Among other veteran-related and business activities, Chris serves as a “grey beard” coach and mentor for officers attending the United States Marine Corps’ bi-annual Ground Combat Commanders’ Course. He also serves on the United States Field Artillery Association Board where he continues to serve the veteran and active-duty artillery communities.
A life-long learner, voracious reader, and avid hockey fan, Chris earned a BA in International Relations from the University of Manitoba, a Master of Military Studies (with Honors) and a Master of Business Administration (with Honors) from the American Military University. He is a graduate of the Command and Staff Distance Education Program (CSDEP), the National War College and the Harvard Advanced Management Program.
Chris lives in Oceanside, CA. He is married to the former Shelagh Maxwell of Winnipeg, Canada (for 31 years) and they have two wonderful (and very grown up) children.
