Relevant Experiences
Oversaw and successfully managed wide-ranging programs and projects with diverse stakeholders.
Education
Master of Science, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
Associates Degree, New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM
Professional Certifications / Training
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (2013)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP) – ASIS International (2008)
Certified Scrum Master (Inactive) – Scrum Alliance (2017)
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (Inactive) – National Institute of Crime Prevention
Special Forces Qualification Course
Contact: chris.smith@riversideglobal.co
Chris Smith - Chief Operating Officer
Chris Smith serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Riverside Global and is the Director of Operations for the Corn Belt Ports. Chris has over 30 years’ experience leading multi-million-dollar projects, programs and operations in matrixed organizations and at the enterprise level. Chris served 20 years in the Army as a Special Forces Officer and over 15 years in industry working with diverse organizations and stakeholders to form a shared vision and meet common objects. His career has focused on working in complex environments with wide ranging cultures, organizations, and people.
Previously, Chris was the Director of Operations for a company that provided services throughout the U.S and along with his team managed in a one-year period over 75 wide ranging projects. He steered the planning, budget, and management of daily activities for the three business units.
While in the military he led an organization that conducted over 35 projects throughout the U.S. and Pacific region in a one-year period. He managed a multi-million-dollar budget and with his team implemented projects which involved coordination with industry, non-governmental organizations, state, federal, and foreign government agencies.
Chris also served as Director of Operations for a Special Forces organization and in this position, over a one-year period, he and his team managed and supported the implementation of over 100 projects throughout the U.S. and in 17 countries involving coordination with a diverse range of organizations.
Chris currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District and the Corn Belt Ports.
Most Recent Relevant Experience
Served as project manager for the establishment of the Bi-State (WI/MN) Northern Grain Belt Ports. The application was prepared and submitted to the U.S. Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center in less than 90 days and included resolutions from 11 Riverfront counties, and 5 State Ports; plus letters of support from the WIDOT, the MNDOT, 13 WI/MN agriculture organizations and the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission.