Chris is a native Floridian, born and raised in Hastings, Florida. The son of a 4th generation farmer, Chris was raised helping his family on their commercial farm. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, he returned to his family’s farm to help manage production of their potato crop. After returning to the farm, he participated in the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute, where he graduated a fellow of Class IX. Through his experience on his family’s farm, Chris gained an appreciation for the complex relationship between modern commercial agricultural production and the natural resources upon which agriculture depends. He saw first-hand how disconnects that often exist between the agriculture industry and environmentalists or others concerned about the health of the environment and the sustainability of our food production often fosters misunderstanding that inhibits trust and cooperation that can prevent meaningful improvement in our food systems. As a result, Chris decided to pursue a law degree and focus on environmental law.
Chris was accepted and attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where, in 2015, he earned his J.D. with a certificate in environmental and land-use law. While in law school, Chris interned at Harvard Law School’s Food Law and Policy Clinic where he was introduced to the broader complexities of modern food systems and developed an interest in food law and policy. During his time working at the Clinic, Chris had the opportunity to work on developing policies aimed at reducing food waste by clarifying food labeling, nationally. He also worked with a non-profit based in La Paz, Bolivia to help develop and recommend food polices aimed at increasing access to nutritious food within La Paz.
Today, Chris lives in West Palm Beach and works for the law firm, Lewis, Longman & Walker, as an environmental attorney. He represents a spectrum of clients from local governments, to Indian tribes, to private landowners, including agricultural producers, on complex issues involving environmental permitting and natural resource protection and development. He remains interested in food policy and using his skills, experience, and insights to foster meaningful improvements to food systems throughout Florida.