Chris is the Executive Vice President, Properties Management of Gilmore Enterprises in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a corporation that has owned numerous broadcasting, agricultural, advertising, automotive and other commercial properties in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Texas and Indiana, and more popularly noted for its sponsorship of the famed racing great A. J. Foyt (Gilmore/Foyt Racing Team). In his role as the properties v.p., Chris had direct and oversight responsibilities for acquisition, sale, maintenance and development of the firm’s entire holdings. Following the death of the corporation’s owner, Jim Gilmore, Chris was named Business Manager of the Trust bearing his former boss’s name in addition to retaining the corporate titles of EVP, Director and Officer performing the same functions as mentioned above.

In addition to his membership in the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo and serving as Treasurer of the Downtown Development Authority, Chris serves on the board of numerous local non-profit organizations and on many sub-committees and focus groups in Kalamazoo.

Chris is a long time ITA member, a former member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and he is the current principal trombonist of the Battle Creek (MI) Symphony. He has degrees in both music education and trombone performance from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Music degree from Northern Michigan University. He is a former student of Russell Brown, Steve Curry Smith, Steve Wolfinbarger, and Frank Crisafulli.