Changing the way the world thinks
Christopher S. Foltz is a Chicago based publicist, noted motivational speaker, and managing partner of Christopher Foltz & Company, a full service communication strategy firm. Chris specializes in strategy partnerships, brand positioning, message development, and corporate non-profit/philanthropic programs. Christopher Foltz & Company is committed to our clients, the global community, and connecting our clients to their desired customer base and beyond. Christopher Foltz & Company brings a fresh, hip, and unique approach to creating the most efficient communication strategies. CFCo has been recognized throughout Chicagoland for their philanthropy and charitable service contributions and as one of the first agencies to require philanthropy and charitable giving models amongst their entire client roster.
Chris has had the opportunity to work with a who’s who list in society. Some of these include President George W. Bush, Senator Elizabeth Dole (NC), Governor Haley Barbour (MS), celebrated entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Severko Hrynwak, World Renowned Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving, The Premier Basketball League, Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Miss Illinois USA’s Humanitarian Award winner and media personality Jennifer Christenson, Share Your Soles Foundation, Television Personality Jane Monzures, Big-Ten Football Legend Darnell Autry, Chicago’s top radio personality Pete McMurray, Alderman Bob Fioretti, Emmy Award winning CNN Anchorwoman Andrea Zinga, the nations largest podiatrist group – Advanced Foot & Ankle, America’s “Greenest” Restaurant Uncommon Ground, Millennium Garages, and many political and entertainment industry projects. In the 2009 consolidated elections, Foltz consulted on his first municipal election cycle, winning all four contested campaigns he participated in.
In Foltz’s capacity as President of Christopher Foltz & Company, he also serves as Vice President of League Development for the Premier Basketball League and Vice President of Media Relations for @Sports Television Network, which is seen in over 80 million homes worldwide.
The Early Years and Republican Party Politics
A former Republican Party leader during his undergraduate career, Chris had the honor of serving as Chapter Chairman, State Chairman, Midwest Caucus Leader, National Marketing Director, and National Board Member for the College Republican National Committee. During Foltz’s College Republican leadership tenure, he was responsible for the largest growth in Illinois College Republican Federation history by fostering 38 new college level organizations in Illinois, creating a statewide minority outreach program, and bringing Illinois to national recognition as a pillar of state organizations at the College Republican National convention in Washington D.C. Chris also served on the student advisory committee to the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Student Body Comptroller, President of the Delta Chi Fraternity, and countless campus and community activities. During his tenure as president of his fraternity, Foltz’s chapter was featured in USA Today, and received national recognition for their outstanding philanthropy program. Ending his undergraduate studies in 2003, Foltz was honored with inclusion on the National Deans List, listed in Who’s Who of Americas Colleges and Universities four consecutive years, and selected for membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. During his senior year Foltz was ranked amongst the top ten debaters in the United States competing in National Educators Debate Association collegiate debate. Chris is also a graduate of the international renowned The Washington Center internship program.
Life Changing Experience
After leaving professional politics, Foltz returned to his home town to aid his mother who was suffering from terminal cancer. During this time Chris chose the road less traveled which resulted in a drug addiction. His mother passed away and Foltz spent the next four months in court ordered, incarcerated rehab. Upon successful completion he moved to Waukegan, Illinois to spend the next 6 months residing in the Oxford House independent living program. Oxford House provides safe, drug and alcohol free living environments for people starting their lives over on the right foot. After getting a job as a server at a fine dining restaurant in the Chicago Suburbs, Foltz worked with a team of people he met in the Oxford House program to expand the Grand Experiment Charities. Grand Experiment successfully opened several “Oxford style” houses around Greater Chicago. “If it wasn’t for the Grand Experiment Charities showing me how to take my past and affect other people’s futures in a positive way, I would never be here today.” Foltz stated in a recent interview. ”Of all the amazing opportunities I have had in my life, the people I’ve met, and things that I have learned, I enjoy talking about the road I went down, and the path I ultimately chose to get where I am today.”
Chris is currently involved in Democratic politics and has served as both a political strategist and community organizer for Chicago’s 2011 Mayoral election. He is a member of the Young Democrats of America and served as a delegate and credentials committee member at the 2009 National Convention. In the fall of 2011 Foltz was named to the National Finance Committee of Generation 44, the young professionals arm of President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.
In the Community
In late 2009, Chris was nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the Board of Trustees as Chairman of the Community Relations Commission for the Village of Deerfield, Illinois. The Community Relations Commission studies and recommends means of developing better relationships among all residents in a diverse and inclusive community encourage residents to be “service-oriented” in the opportunities to assist one another in the community and the neighborhood. The commission also promotes and supports initiatives with federal, state and local governmental agencies, commissions, businesses, schools, civic and religious organizations, neighborhood and community events aimed at increasing goodwill and civic engagement among the residents and the global community at large. At the age of 28 at confirmation, Foltz is the youngest commission chairman in the Village of Deerfield’s history. In addition to his local involvement, Foltz has also served as an advisor to the Governor appointed Chairman of the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood.
Foltz has been a member of the American Association of Political Consultants, American League of Lobbyist, Kiwanis International, Illinois Police Association, Young Democrats of Illinois, Deerfield Caucus Nominating Committee Chairman and Caucus Advisory Board Member, Deerfield Family Days Committee, Chicago’s Second Ward Democratic Organization, and is a Master Mason and member of the Ben Hur Lodge of the A.F.A.M. Chris has been nominated for inclusion in the publication of Cambridge Who’s Who in America, a yearly compilation of leaders in their field throughout the nation. Foltz has been featured in multiple newspapers, online publications, and media programs throughout the world and has the opportunity to speak across the nation on life, leadership, and organizational development. Foltz has recently shared the docket with Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, Apprentice star Bill Rancic, and New York Time’s Best Selling Author and globally acclaimed business strategy consultant Steve Kaplan.
Philanthropy
In addition to serving as an advisor to many non-profit and socially conscience organizations across America, Foltz also has the honor of sitting on the board of directors for Chicago television personality Jane Monzures’ LIVE LOVE LIFE charity, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Chicago suburban based charity, Normal Moments, a 501c3 nonprofit organization focusing on the family needs of critically ill children across the country. In addition, Foltz serves on the development board for the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Share Your Soles Foundation, and the board of directors for Chicago based healthcare non-profit and Clinton Global Initiative commitment Project HUGS (Helping Uninsured Get Surgery). Chris also serves as an advisor to the Deerfield Key Club, a community-based service organization that is built around leadership and service oppurtunites.
Chris resides in both Chicago’s Loop and the North Shore Village of Deerfield. Christopher Foltz & Company’s office is located in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood.
