Chris became a delegate to the Duluth Central Labor Body and the Northeast Area Labor Council in 2016 and currently serves as on the MN AFLCIO Executive Board. In these roles he has worked to build relationships between MNA and other unions, supporting them in labor actions and working together on shared legislative priorities passage of the state earned sick and safe time and paid family leave legislation.

MNA has more than 100 bargaining units with nearly 22,000 members from International Falls MN to Council Bluffs IA. From River Falls WI to Bismarck ND. Every unit needs the same support and resources. That’s why Chris has traveled to informational pickets and nurse meetings in Bismark, Brainerd, Moose Lake, Two Harbors, Lake City and beyond. Showing up matters!‍ ‍

Achieving our goals will involve work at the bargaining table, and at the state legislature. That’s why Chris has supported MNA’s legislative work by recruiting members to attend Day On the Hill, screen candidates, and testifed in support of our priorities like Paid Family Leave, banning captive audience meetings, and the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act.

Technology has allowed more members to participate and bargaining units to coordinate more closely than ever before. We must ensure that we use these means to support participation and collaboration from everyone. Chris authored a successful bylaw amendment that guaranteed a virtual participation option for all MNA Board, committee, or commission meetings and has overseen the implementation of online and on demand educational offerings. More participation = a stronger MNA!‍ ‍

Chris shares all his work with members every month submitting complete reports at the MNA Board meetings and the written reports are on the MNA member center for any member to access.

To unleash our full power we need to be a well organized network of members ready to take action. That’s why Chris has championed ways for members to build connections including leading the task force that reintroduced the Assembly of Bargaining Unit Leaders to MNA.

Showing up matters, and he has the miles on his car to prove it. From picket lines at Children’s and Abbott Northwestern, to rounding at Fairview Southdale and St Lukes, and joining negotiations in Lake City and Moose Lake. Chris is ready to stand with all our members - any time, anywhere. ‍

Chris has experience with carrying our message online, in print, on TV, radio, and podcasts. He is ready to be a voice for our 22,000 strong union.

For more than a decade, nurses have been the most trusted profession in the nation. Our patients and communities can be among our strongest allies, that’s why Chris has worked in new and creative ways to take our message to the public - like partnering to host the Twin Ports May Day workers celebration or canvasing at the Essentia Health sponsored “Grandmas Marathon Health and Fitness Expo”.‍ ‍

We need build power from board rooms to the capitol and it takes more member voices to push elected officials to support workers and patients. Chris is overseeing the implementation of MNAs first PAC fund to increase our political strength and he authored the successful bylaw amendment that created MNA’s Screening and Endorsements Committee creating more space members to build relationships with elected officials and HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE when they put profits before patients.‍ ‍

Education is the foundation of a strong and engaged membership. Chris has supported the expansion of Steward and organizing classes, training from the Racial Diversity Committee, and the implementation of the new online on demand education portal for MNA members. He will continue to push for expanded educational topics and more remote and flexible options for our education.

Making sure our members are engaged year round is key to building our strength. That’s why Chris has worked to encourage members to stay connected to their contracts and celebrate victories like rounding on pay raise day in his bargaining unit as a way to celebrate our work and encourage everyone to be preparing for tomorrow.

Working with CAT members in the Essentia Twin Ports bargaining unit, Chris encouraged the use of new tactics to fight against corporate health care and negotiate a fair contract. His bargaining unit successfully used new tactics to demonstrate our power like leafleting at events sponsored by his employer, bringing leaders from other bargaining units in the same health system to support each other in negotiations, and pressuring local elected officials to use their public platforms to support MNA in negotiations!

Developing coalitions to push back against corporate health care is going to be the challenge of our generation. That’s why Chris has worked to develop partnerships with other community organizations like the U of M medical School, NAACP, Northeast Area Labor Council, Health Care For All Minnesota, and Take Action to support patients AND nurses.‍ ‍

Chris has experience leading in the community and in our Union. He was recognized by the Duluth News Tribune in 2024 as one of the ‘20 Under 40’ leaders in the North land. He has also been recognized by the College of St Scholastica as the Young Alumni of the year in 2014 and as the College of St Scholastica Athletics Distinguished Alumni of the year in 2025.