Work Experience

PRINCIPAL

THE LOCAL OPTION

June 2021 - Current

Chris founded The Local Option to help governments, non-profits, and purpose-driven developers build stronger communities through inclusive economic development, stakeholder engagement, ecosystem development, and practical, place-based strategies. The Local Option turns grassroots insight into real-world impact—co-creating strategies and delivering initiatives grounded in local priorities. Chris brings over two decades of experience in public sector strategy, program design, and delivery to every engagement, blending big-picture thinking with a deep understanding of local context.

Executive Director, Stakeholder relations and communications

Greater Toronto Airports Authority

April 2024 - June 2025

Chris led the GTAA’s stakeholder relations and social impact portfolio, fostering collaboration across sectors to maximize the economic and community benefits of Canada’s largest and busiest airport. His work focused on building strategic partnerships and advancing regional prosperity through aligned airport growth.

Director, Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship

City of Markham

February 2022 - April 2024

At the City of Markham, Chris led a multi-disciplinary team advancing economic growth through a unique blend of arts, culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship. His leadership helped position Markham as a model for how cultural vitality and the creative economy can attract investment, fuel the tech and innovation sectors, and deliver inclusive, community-based prosperity.

Director, Municipal and Stakeholder Relations

Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

May 2019 - February 2022

Chris directed MPAC’s stakeholder engagement strategy with Ontario’s 444 municipalities, helping local governments manage their property assessment base. He built trusted relationships across sectors to improve assessment transparency and strengthen fiscal sustainability.

Founder and Advisor

My main street

May 2021 - March 2024

Chris co-founded My Main Street in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping lead the design and launch of a community-focused recovery program. Partnering with the Canadian Urban Institute and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario, the initiative supported main street revitalization and equity-focused economic development across Ontario.

Director, COVID-19 Business Mitigation and recovery

City of Toronto

March 2020 - September 2020

Recruited to lead Toronto’s business recovery strategy at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Chris developed urgent-response and medium-term programs to support local businesses, protect jobs, and set the foundation for economic resilience.

CO-Founder and ADVISOR

DIGITAL MAIN STREET

June 2016 - October 2020

Chris co-founded Digital Main Street, an award-winning program helping local businesses adopt digital tools. He scaled the program from a Toronto pilot into a national initiative supporting thousands of businesses with digital transformation.

Manager, Entrepreneurship Services

City of Toronto

May 2014 - May 2019

Chris led the City of Toronto's innovation and small business programs, supporting more than 30,000 entrepreneurs annually. He developed and implemented Toronto's Startup Ecosystem Strategy, guided the city's approach to incubation and commercialization, and helped establish Toronto as a national leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.

 

Manager, Strategic Economic Initiatives

Regional Municipality of York

August 2012 - May 2014

Chris delivered a range of strategic initiatives, from post-secondary attraction and tourism development to broadband infrastructure. He also oversaw York Region’s Small Business Enterprise Centre.

 

Senior Project Manager, Partners in Project Green

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

April 2008 - August 2012

Chris led the launch and expansion of Partners in Project Green—an ambitious eco-business zone anchored around Pearson Airport. He collaborated with businesses to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and unlock opportunities for green innovation and sustainable growth.

 

Lecturer

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

September 2009 - May 2011

Chris taught corporate sustainability in the Green Business Management graduate program, helping students understand how environmental leadership can drive business success.

 

PROJECT MANAGER / Watershed Planner, Etobicoke and Mimico Watersheds

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

April 2006 - May 2009

In progressive roles, Chris managed watershed restoration, public-private partnerships, and community engagement for the Etobicoke and Mimico watersheds. His work integrated ecological planning with civic collaboration.

 

City Councillor

City of Stratford

December 2003 - November 2006

Elected while still in university, Chris chaired Stratford’s Planning and Heritage Committee and led key initiatives focused on urban planning and main street revitalization. He authored the city’s first environmental plan, introduced a stormwater management levy, and helped implement a tax-increment financing program to support downtown renewal and economic development.

 

Community Cable Television Host / Commentator

Rogers Communications

January 2004 - October 2006

Chris hosted "Politically Speaking," a local political roundtable, and provided weekly commentary for Rogers community cable, helping foster public dialogue on civic affairs.

 

Editor / Publisher

What's Up, Chuck? Magazine

April 1997 - January 2001

Chris launched and published a political satire and arts magazine in Stratford. He wrote, edited, and sold advertising—while occasionally dodging libel litigation.

 

Owner

10 Day Cafe

April 1996 - April 1998

Chris opened and operated a live music café in downtown Stratford while finishing high school, gaining early hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service.


Education

Master of Public Administration, Local Government Program

University of Western Ontario

2005 - 2007

Research focus on policy development, local government, program evaluation and strategic planning. Chris' thesis provided an analysis of the political economy of land-use change in the City of London, Ontario. View a copy of it here - Land-Use Change in the City of London: An Analysis of Zoning By-Law Changes and the Predominant Forces in the Land-Use Change Process.

 

Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Planning

University of Waterloo

2001 - 2005

Graduated with a Honours in Planning with a focus on land development, policy formulation and economic development.