Chris began working in the Kansas Division of Purchases in 1986 as a Procurement Officer and worked his way through many different commodities and services including medical supplies and equipment, office supplies and legal and financial services. In 2002, he was promoted to Deputy Director, and in 2004, Director of Purchases. In 1988, he earned his CPPB Certification; in 2000 he successfully completed the Kansas Certified Public Manager (C.P.M.) program; and in 2004 earned his CPPO Certification. He credits his 20 years of service to his college fraternity at Washburn University of Topeka (as an undergraduate and an alumnus) with bringing a sense of balance to his sometimes chaotic schedule.