Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Chris L. Firestone, PHD

Deerfield,Illinois

Summary

Results-oriented, visionary leader who works well under pressure both individually and as part of a team. Demonstrates exceptional presentation, interpersonal and communication skills. Winsome and engaged leader bringing over 25 years of experience in proprietary education who leads by example. Dedicated Leader with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence in education. Seeks a challenging role as a Campus President.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Professor of Philosophy, Humanities Director

Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
08.1999 - Current
  • Facilitated stimulating and thought-provoking class discussions on range of philosophical topics• Provided online instruction in philosophy to students traveling, living remotely or unable to participate in typical classroom settings• Developed philosophy major from 5 students to 40 students over 6 years.
  • Created and implemented programs to promote philosophy and religious studies to students• Conducted educational and engaging lectures centered on such topics as ethics, critical thinking and contemporary moral issues.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy• Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions• Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
  • Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
  • Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.

Curriculum Consultant & Academy Speaker

Turning Point Academy, TPUSA
Deerfield, IL
06.2023 - Current
  • Designed and developed exceptional technical course content and prep year programs for instructor presentation and student learning* Provided subject matter expertise on all courses and materials.
  • Managed multiple concurrent projects and consulted across organizations to determine objectives* Built and delivered learning content according to priority and scope* Wrote 14-page draft of proposal and consolidated it into compelling 2-page Executive Summary and 8-slide PowerPoint presentation.
  • Collaborated with administrators at local and national levels to determine course content and objectives.

Lead Teacher for 360 Summer Leadership Institute

Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
06.2015 - 06.2022
  • Developed original program proposal and helped secure 600K grant from Lilly Foundation.
  • Communicated frequently with students and parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home preparation to support student development.
  • Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student* Managed daily activities for 25 students over two week immersion course.
  • Increased student involvement in program offerings through strategic redesign of program processes and methods* Grew program from its original 15 students to 25 students* Maintained program through Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Coordinated field trips for classes and wrote detailed itineraries for student engagement and safety.

Elder Chairman

North Suburban Church
Deerfield, IL
04.2013 - 04.2022
  • Led team of eight-10 Elders/Staff in leadership of church* Hired two Senior Pastors* Raised 500K for church parking lot and new roof.
  • Researched and prepared quarterly and annual reports for congregation* Chaired all congregational meetings, translating complex data for audiences and fielded questions.
  • Developed new leaders and teams* Worked on innovative approaches to problem-solving, leveraging resources and promoting vision* Negotiated and resolved conflicts between stakeholders.

Curriculum Designer

Trinity International University
Deerfield, IL
01.2020 - 08.2020
  • Collaborated with seven colleagues over four months in developing benchmark coursework and identifying curriculum needs of students and faculty.
  • Researched and incorporated current trends and data into standard curriculum for Christian Liberal Arts College.
  • Teamed with subject matter experts in evaluation and revision of training tools in order to continually improve learning platforms.
  • Wrote first draft of "One Mission, Many Stories" curriculum design and helped steer committee, faculty, and administration to unanimous adoption.

Producer & Writer of Feature Film

Emeritus Productions
Deerfield, IL
06.2010 - 08.2017
  • Co-wrote feature film entitled "Killing Poe"* Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
  • Raised 500K investment in money and gifts in kind for production of film.
  • Developed schedules for production, editing, and duplication for timely delivery* Wrote and executed 100+ contracts for all talent and production personnel.
  • Coordinated with producers and on-air talent to create program content, new ideas, and segments.
  • Planned film shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion, including post-production and marketing.

Education

Ph.D. - Philosophy

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
10.2005

Master of Arts - Philosophy And Religious Studies

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Deerfield, IL
05.1993

Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
01.1990

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
01.1990

Skills

  • Displays prioritized and results-oriented approach Motivation to perform without extensive direction
  • Demonstrates exemplary leadership and interpersonal skills Responds to requests for service and assistance
  • Performs high quality and accurate work Uses creative, solution-oriented approach to address problems
  • Maintains cultural sensitivity and attentiveness Community awareness and identity to meet moment
  • Microsoft Office and general computer expertise Excellent written and oral communication
  • Supervision and leadership that organically interfaces with team building initiatives Responds to requests for service and assistance
  • Analytical thinking Task prioritization Problem resolution
  • Budget control and personnel management Is able to complete all job requirements in allotted time

Timeline

Curriculum Consultant & Academy Speaker

Turning Point Academy, TPUSA
06.2023 - Current

Curriculum Designer

Trinity International University
01.2020 - 08.2020

Lead Teacher for 360 Summer Leadership Institute

Trinity International University
06.2015 - 06.2022

Elder Chairman

North Suburban Church
04.2013 - 04.2022

Producer & Writer of Feature Film

Emeritus Productions
06.2010 - 08.2017

Professor of Philosophy, Humanities Director

Trinity International University
08.1999 - Current

Ph.D. - Philosophy

University of Edinburgh

Master of Arts - Philosophy And Religious Studies

Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science - Mathematics

University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Chris L. Firestone, PHD