Chris Lund

About Chris Lund

I am a mission-driven executive with 35 years of leadership experience transforming complex public institutions and mission-critical organizations. My career spans education, municipal government, national defense, and infrastructure systems — with a consistent focus on strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and delivering results in resource-constrained environments.As a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander, professional engineer, and doctorate-trained leader in higher education management, I bring a multidisciplinary lens to solving systemic challenges. I have led large cross-functional teams, directed multimillion-dollar budgets, executed high-visibility capital initiatives, and navigated complex governance environments involving boards, regulators, elected officials, and community stakeholders.Throughout my career, I have been drawn to roles where the mission matters and where thoughtful systems leadership can materially improve institutional performance. I am particularly interested in strategy, transformation, and advisory roles within nonprofit, public-sector, and mission-oriented organizations focused on:• Organizational strategy and effectiveness• Systems modernization and institutional improvement• Workforce and education alignment• Infrastructure and resilience initiatives• Governance and public accountabilityI am energized by intellectually rigorous environments, collaborative problem solving, and opportunities to work with high-performing teams on complex challenges that require both strategic clarity and disciplined execution.Open to senior leadership, strategy, and transformation roles in the Northeast corridor (Boston, NYC, hybrid) and nationally for mission-aligned opportunities.

Experience

1. Director of Facilities & Technology

   East Lyme School District

   Jun 2019 — Present · East Lyme, CT, US

   Senior executive responsible for strategic oversight of district-wide infrastructure and technology systems serving 2,600 students and 660 faculty across five schools. Lead long-range capital planning, organizational performance improvement, and modernization initiatives within a highly visible public governance environment.Directed execution of a $35M multi-site capital transformation initiative, aligning contractors, internal teams, and elected officials to deliver projects on schedule and restore full school operations.Developed and defended annual operating and multi-year capital budgets before multiple oversight boards and public hearings, strengthening fiscal transparency and long-term asset planning.Implemented data-informed lifecycle planning and budget forecasting processes to optimize limited public funding.Led cross-functional team of 40 personnel across facilities and technology functions, improving accountability, service delivery, and system reliability to >99% availability.Oversaw enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and network modernization supporting 2,600+ daily users.

Education

• Norwich University

  Master of Public Administration - MPA, Public Administration

  2015 — 2017

• Oregon State University

  Master of Science - MS, Civil/Ocean Engr

• US Coast Guard Academy

  BS, Applied Science

  1987 — 1991

• Johnson & Wales University

  Doctor of Education - Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2018 — 2021