Growing up with a strong sense of community service translated in a public service career allowing Kris to find opportunities to balance environmental protection with economic and community development.  As Acting Director of Policy and Strategic Planning at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Kris services as the chief policy advisor to the Secretary and coordinates policy activities across the departmental bureaus and with the White House.  Chief among Kris’ duties are advising the Secretary on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Green Economy issues, the Department’s annual budget, and prioritizing the many divergent policy items that come before the Office of the Secretary.  Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Kris served as the senior professional staff member on the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard.  She has also worked as U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s senior policy advisor, legislative director for the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition and community development specialist/presidential management fellow for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  While completing her master’s in science and public health from the University of Michigan, Kris had the opportunity to be a part of two fellowships with the School of Public Health and the Valencia County Coalition for Families, Children and Community in New Mexico.  In between her undergraduate studies at Washington University and her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, she served as a wildlife trade program associate for the Defenders of Wildlife and the education coordinator for the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, Africa.  Her work in public service focuses on helping to shape policy and programs to promote sustainable development and community participation.  She was a Stennis Fellow in the 111^th Congress.