‘At the beginning of something that can drive real change’: a Deloitte professional measures for impact on people and planet

His role at Deloitte: Audit & Assurance Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Washington, D.C.

Path to Deloitte: Chris came to Deloitte after a career in Eastern European countries that had recently experienced conflicts. “I got involved locally in projects that helped the economic and humanitarian recovery in these countries, and it wasn’t something I’d studied for, but it made an impact on me,” Chris says. After he returned to the United States, Chris interviewed with two Deloitte leaders who had both worked in Eastern Europe. “I think they appreciated what I had seen and the unique challenges faced in those environment,” he says. Chris joined Deloitte in 2011 and is in his sixth year of working with international development groups. He also works with development organizations on sustainability reporting and measurement as well as decarbonization and biodiversity impact assessments because, as he points out, what can be measured, can be managed. “Doing this work feels like we’re at the beginning of something that can drive real change,” he says. “It’s about the long-term improvement in the lives of people around the world, and the sustainability of the planet.”

Purpose in action: Since coming to Deloitte, Chris also has to be an example of an out leader, to help support LGBTQIA+ professionals like himself, and help encourage inclusive behavior and build allyship. “When I began my career, prior to joining Deloitte, I was told I should never come out at work. Beyond that, during my time with a prior employer, I experienced individuals who didn’t want to work with me once they learned I was gay,” Chris says. “So, it’s been particularly meaningful for me to be an out leader now and to support others where I can.” Recently, Chris served as an Audit & Advisory (A&A) co-dean of an annual meeting of more than 5,000 professionals across the country intended to help organizations consider how to build equitable environments for their LGBTQIA+ professionals. “Twelve years ago, when I first attended the meeting as a participant, I was one of only a few people from Deloitte’s A&A business, but in the last few years, our business has had about 80 participants,” Chris says. “The team has worked to help increase our visibility and support our LGBTQIA+ professionals as they explore opportunities to network.”

Impact: For his work, Chris is a recipient of the 2024 US Purpose MVP Award, which recognizes professionals who are making an impact that matters and are helping to contribute to Deloitte’s collective purpose. “I think everyone can find some degree of allyship, even if they may not necessarily understand a particular person’s lived experience,” Chris says. Over his 13 years here, he’s appreciated how people at Deloitte have helped put in the work to build and expand a culture of inclusiveness. “We’ve helped make great strides,” he says.