Chris graduated from Willamette University in 2000 and earned a PhD from the University of Washington in 2012 in the field of political science. Chris serves as a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, the Association of Washington Cities Legislative Committee, and the Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee. He is also a member of the National League of Cities Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and the Race, Equity and Leadership Council. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.