Christopher Willis
Chief Human Resources Officer , Director of Human Resources & Marketing , SDI Family of Companies
PAGETT DUSIC TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Willis enjoys the evening on the Lakeview Patio above The West Spa .
Christopher Willis , chief human resources officer and director of human resources and marketing for the SDI Family of Companies , understands the values of hard work , integrity and volunteering . From growing up on a cattle farm , to leading youth in Boy Scouts of America , to now serving on the boards for several nonprofit organizations , Willis has grown to accomplish more than he ever dreamed possible .
An avid outdoorsman and devoted family man , Willis says , “ I would not be where I am today without the hundreds of people who volunteered their time to bless my life .”
Born to a teacher and a third-generation coal miner in Preston County , Willis was never phased by any obstacles in life . In fact , it was just the opposite . He used challenges to learn , grow and ultimately find a solution .
While he has had many mentors throughout his career , Willis says his father has been and remains the most positive influence in his personal and professional life .
“ My father ’ s guidance and the example he set everyday provided me with the building blocks to achieve success ,” he says .
His father led by example by being a
successful entrepreneur , business owner , community leader , church trustee , volunteer fire fighter , Rotarian and community volunteer .
Willis was 14 years old when he started his first job as a camp counselor at Camp Mountaineer for the Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America . This is where he found a love for helping and guiding others to achieve their goals . After graduating from West Virginia University ( WVU ) with a Master of Science in Industrial Relations , he was the human resources director for Wisp Resort in McHenry , MD . There he discovered the value of workplace culture and how to positively affect change through proactive communication , active listening and servant leadership .
While working for Wisp Resort , Willis was invited to interview with Scott Kiger , president of the SDI Family of Companies . During his interview , Willis asked how many employees he would be supporting . Kiger responded that SDI had 164 families that count on the company to be successful . That answer was all Willis needed to hear to accept the role , and it ’ s what keeps him there today .
Perhaps his true passion is giving back through community service and volunteerism , which is something he has picked up from others . Willis has been inspired by the vol unteers who gave of themselves in the community to bless his life through their service without seeking acknowledgement .
“ It is for them that I choose to volunteer ,” he says . “ I just hope my service inspires the next generation to share their time and talents with their community .”
Willis sits on the board of directors for Friends of Mountaineer Scouting , Inc ., Friends of WVU Hospitals , WVU Greek Alumni Association and United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties . He also serves as the Boy Scouts of America Mountaineer Area Council chartering unit representative for Troop 64 and Pack 64 , section marketing advisor for the Order of the Arrow and president of the Mount FIJI House Corporation .
“ West Virginia is home , pure and simple ,” he says . “ There is no other place where I would rather raise my family , share my life with my beautiful wife and family or have the opportunity to continue to grow as an executive .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
midnight snack :
Cheez-It Grooves
smell :
Camp fire
cartoon character :
Genie from Disney ’ s “ Aladdin ”
car :
Shelby Cobra
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