Position Title
Speech Writer
Chris develops speeches, talking points and other correspondence for Chancellor Gary S. May that broadcasts the news and successes of UC Davis to the world.
Chris has spent the past two decades giving voice to people from all walks of life, including rock stars, chefs who think they’re rock stars, winemakers, migrant workers and many others with compelling stories. Before joining as a communicator at his UC Davis alma mater, Chris worked for 18 years as features writer and critic at The Sacramento Bee where he wrote about music, food and wine, and other aspects of the region’s culture.
Chris’ personality profiles were twice selected for Best Food Writing, a yearly anthology by Da Capo Press. He’s also the co-author of Echoes of an Angel, the true story of Ben Underwood, a blind teenager known around the world as “the boy who could see with sound.”
Chris lives in Davis with his wife, a fourth-grade teacher; a 4-year-old daughter who’s obsessed with the “Frosty the Snowman” cartoon; and a 15-year-old guitar shredder of a son who lives for heavy metal. When a babysitter is available, you’ll likely find Chris scoping out the region’s restaurants, wineries and watering holes, or catching live music.
Do I have any bragging rights?
It’s a tie between spending a morning with Carlos Santana at his rehearsal studio, or having dinner at The French Laundry in a chef’s office that overlooks the kitchen with Thomas Keller by my side. (Writing about music and food definitely has its perks).
Favorite books
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Esquire’s Big Book of Great Writing, Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe, and the Momofuku cookbook by David Chang.
Guilty pleasure
“Bring Your Own Cup Day” for 7-11 Slurpees.