Chris Thomas

Chris has yet to meet a stranger. During his 30-plus years in corporate management of consumer goods and products, both domestically and internationally, Chris has literally made thousands of friends through his innate ability to connect with and care for others. People are put at ease by his big laugh and zest for life, and by his ability to communicate a message of positivity and hope.

A gifted college athlete, Chris played an integral role in coaching and developing the athletic achievements of his children, Ella and Solomon. Chris often jokes that, as Solomon’s dad, he had the rare privilege of raising his own favorite NFL player, and no player has a more enthusiastic father in the stands.

Chris’ passion for suicide prevention programming developed by The Defensive Line is only surpassed by his insistence that people of color are provided mental health care on an equitable basis. His lived experience helps train others on recognizing and reacting appropriately to micro-aggressions when they occur. This level of nuanced discussions makes for a deeply meaningful and purposeful presentation. 

Chris brings the same drive for excellence that earned him outstanding sales awards to The Defensive Line. His thirst for learning about the mental health field is fed by numerous podcasts and webinars on a daily basis. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as well as Touched By Suicide (TBS) board member, AFSP Project 2025 board member, and College of Wooster Ad Hoc Alumni Trustee. Martha, Chris, and Solomon were recipients of the 2019 AFSP Lifesaver Award.

Chris continues to play sports, travel, and barbecue some of the world’s best ribs.