Chris’s connection to Friends In Deed began long before he ever joined the Board of Directors.
Growing up in Pasadena, Chris spent time volunteering alongside his parents, who were deeply involved in the local community. One of his earliest memories of service involved painting a room for Friends In Deed through the Knights of Columbus, an experience that quietly planted the seeds for a deeper relationship years later.
As his career progressed, Chris reached a point where he wanted to use the skills he’d spent years developing to give back, but he wasn’t sure where to focus his efforts. That clarity came through Jericho Road, which helped match his background in finance with Friends In Deed’s need for board leadership as the organization’s treasurer transitioned out of the role.
What initially drew Chris in wasn’t a specific program, but Friends In Deed’s identity. Its faith-based roots and deep partnerships across churches, temples, and community organizations spoke to him. That spirit of collaboration and care, he says, continues to define who Friends In Deed is today.
Professionally, Chris works in finance, advising business owners and families on complex financial matters. With an MBA from UCLA and a strong grasp of financial strategy, he brings a skill set that is often scarce in nonprofit spaces. On the Board, he helps translate financial data into clear, strategic insight, supporting thoughtful decision-making and long-term sustainability.
Chris officially joined the Board just before the pandemic, beginning his tenure during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. As Friends In Deed navigated COVID-19, national unrest, and the profound impact of the Eaton Fire on Pasadena and Altadena, one thing stood out to him: the community’s trust. Support for Friends In Deed only grew, as people turned to the organization knowing it would respond with care and competence. Over the past five years, Friends In Deed has tripled in size from a budget perspective—a reflection not only of growth, but of deepening impact during turbulent times.
For Chris, serving on the Board is about stewardship of resources, of mission, and of a community that believes in Friends In Deed’s ability to meet the moment.