CHRIS ARVIDSON
www.chrisarvidson.com

From around my North Carolina and Virginia neighborhood...

Christine M. Arvidson
Arvidson@skybest.com
www.chrisarvidson.com
P.O. Box 116
Todd, NC 28684

Education

B.A. Communications, Olivet College, 1978
M.A. Liberal Studies, UNC Charlotte, 1997
M.F.A. Creative Nonfiction, Goucher College, 2005

Experience

Currently: Assistant Director, National Committee for the New River. Responsibilities include development, communications, membership program and government relations. NCNR works to protect the New River and its watershed in NC, VA and WV.

February 2001 - February 2007: Director of Communications, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Responsible for publications, newsletters, fundraising collateral, media and government relations, and general strategy and planning for a regional land trust. Member of the management team and appointed to serve as interim Executive Director, spring 2006, while current Director was on sabbatical.

August 1997 - December 2000: Adjunct Instructor, UNC Charlotte and Robert Morris University. Taught undergraduate courses in Communications Studies and Women’s Studies Departments; subject areas included focuses on writing, research, speech, and journalism. Member, UNC Charlotte Native American Academy; served as faculty advisor for UNC Charlotte University Honors Program senior portfolio projects.

October 1994 – July 1997: While enrolled in M.A. program, served as Administrative Secretary for University Writing Programs, UNC Charlotte. Managed Writing Programs office, library, and Writing Resources Center including budgets, work study programs, scheduling and internal/external publications and correspondence.

1985–1994: Manager of Prospect Research, UNC Charlotte; Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity Charlotte; Assistant Director, Silver Anniversary Campaign, UNC Charlotte Foundation; Director of University Relations, USC Spartanburg; Assistant to the Director of Major Gifts, Furman University.

1980–1985, Washington D.C.: PAC Director, Political Liaison, Assistant to the Deputy Director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; Director of Political Affairs, National Association of Home Builders; Staff Assistant, Congressman Robert A. Roe.

Miscellaneous and Publications

- Runner up, Christine White Writing Award, Goucher College, August, 2005.

- Feature writer and book reviewer for the national publication ForeWord Magazine; most recent feature appearance in January/February 2006 issue.

- Member, Board of Trustees, Olivet College, 2002-2005.

- Winner, Spring Prize for best paper in Liberal Studies, 1996.

- Weekly columnist, Creative Loafing alternative weekly newspaper in Charlotte, NC.

- Freelance writer, strategist, and fundraising consultant for non profit organizations; most current client, The American Friends of the Charles Dickens Museum, London and New York.

- Extensive experience in political campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels, including volunteer recruitment and management, fundraising, strategy and planning, and media relations.