Meet Chris Watler, CEO's New Executive Vice President

Jan 11, 2023   |  By Sam Schaeffer

I am thrilled to announce that Christopher Watler has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Vice President (EVP) of CEO. This promotion is a recognition of Chris's leadership at CEO for over six years, along with some new responsibilities added to his portfolio.

"Every day, I am inspired by the hard work and leadership of my colleagues and CEO participants. CEO is at the forefront of creating impactful change that works. I look forward to advancing CEO's mission even further in this new role."

Chris came to CEO in 2016, initially overseeing the New York State operation. With 20+ years of program experience, he made an immediate, lasting mark on CEO. In 2020, Chris became CEO's first-ever Chief External Affairs Officer. Through his fundraising leadership, we have greatly increased and diversified our revenue streams. Chris stood up CEO's Inclusive Hiring program, which helps advance equitable hiring practices for individuals coming home from incarceration throughout the business community.

One of Chris’s most significant contributions to CEO has been in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) domain. He has been a real-time responder and helped us create a long-term vision for this work. Chris has been instrumental in creating spaces for staff to share and reflect on racial injustices impacting CEO colleagues, participants, and communities.

As part of his new role as EVP, Chris will chair the internal CEO DEI committee and help set our near and long-term strategy in this area. Chris will continue to oversee Communications, Fund Development, and Inclusive Hiring work.