Chris Thompson, COL's Executive Director, comes to Chikaming Open Lands by way of Philadelphia, PA. He recently directed the land protection department at the Willistown Conservation Trust. During his tenure there, he worked to complete 16 conservation easement projects through donation and/or purchase with over 400 acres protected with an estimated land value of over $50,000,000. In addition to his land protection experience, he established an online green grocer business in the Philadelphia area supporting local organic farms and other locally owned small businesses. He held a 9-year post as the Director of Special Events, overseeing the restaurant operation for the Taste of Chicago. He is also a professional artist with training from Northwestern and DePaul Universities in Chicago.