Chris Wheat

Biography

Chris Wheat has over a decade of experience in environmental policy, programs, and politics.  Chris is currently Managing Director for Policy and Government Affairs at the Sustainable Cities Fund. The Fund works with donors to support and enable equitable climate action at the local level. Through strategic grant-making, the Fund focuses on building the civic power of cities and communities, working together to implement ambitious, equitable climate solutions.

Chris joined the Fund from the Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State at Chicago Booth, where he served as Executive Director. Previously Chris worked alongside Mayors to adopt environmental policies as Strategy and City Engagement Director for the American Cities Climate Challenge at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Before NRDC, Chris spent seven years in various roles in the Office of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, including Chief of Policy and Chief Sustainability Officer. Chris currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Chicago Development Commission and is on the Board of the Center for Neighborhood Technology.

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Chris holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from Chicago Booth.

Academic Areas

• Strategy and Leadership