Introducing Chris Callahan as the New President of the RISE Board of Directors
We are excited to announce Chris Callahan as the new President of the RISE Board of Directors—a position that he is both passionate about and committed to. With an extensive history with RISE and a career full of diverse experiences, Chris is poised to work with the board to lead our organization into the next phase of growth and service to our community.
A Long-Standing Connection with RISE
Chris’s journey with RISE began all the way back in 1999.
“I was brought onto the board when Pia Munroe, the original Executive Director, was still at the helm,” he shared. At that time RISE was a much smaller organization, primarily focusing on mental health and substance abuse housing. “Back then,” Chris explains, “we wanted to make sure our residents were housed in the community, so we tried to stay low key and blend into neighborhoods. But after coming back to the board years later, I’m pleased to see how the agency has grown under Sybil Newell, the current Executive Director. I’m excited to contribute to that growth.”
Over the years, Chris has witnessed the organization grow into a vital force, expanding its mission and the scope of services offered. Reflecting on the agency’s growth, Chris remarked, “It’s amazing to see how much RISE has expanded. When I came back to the board after retiring from my position in New Hampshire, I was truly impressed with how many new programs had been added to our repertoire. I’m impressed with how dedicated Sybil and her executive team are to making RISE a prominent part of the community and getting the agency’s name out there through social media.”
A Commitment to Community Service
Chris’s motivation to join RISE’s board was originally rooted in his desire to give back to the community. He noted, “I was looking for a way to get involved during my time at Saratoga Hospital, where I worked as Vice President of Human Resources. When one of my colleagues suggested I join RISE’s board, I didn’t need much convincing. It’s a great mission to be part of, and I knew I could contribute.”
Now, in his second stint with RISE, Chris brings years of experience and a deep sense of community dedication. “When you retire, you quickly realize you need something meaningful to do. There are only so many rounds of golf you can play,” he jests. “For me, that’s getting involved in something I care about, and RISE fits that perfectly.”
Beyond his work with RISE, Chris also volunteers as an interpreter at the Saratoga National Historical Park, where he educates visitors about the historic site. “I enjoy teaching, and it’s a way for me to stay active in the community,” he said.
Leading with Experience and Passion
Chris’s background in healthcare management and human resources plays a critical role in his leadership of the Board. He has spent over 40 years in various leadership positions, including his role at Saratoga Hospital and healthcare organizations across the Northeast. This extensive experience equips him with valuable insights into not-for-profit organization governance, human resources, and executive management.
As he steps into his new role as board president for the second time, Chris is focused on not only fulfilling the agency’s corporate responsibilities but also strengthening the organization’s internal structure. “One of my goals is to ensure that the board functions effectively and spends out time focused on important questions for the organization. Having worked as a member of the board in the past and in not for profit organization that had excellent boards, I understand the importance of good governance. I also hope to be able to provide guidance on executive management and human resources matters, areas where I have a wealth of experience.”
Chris recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong connection between RISE’s board and its staff, emphasizing, “It’s critical that we help guide the organization while also supporting the executive team and front-line staff. At the same time, we need to be forward-thinking, pushing the agency to expand its reach to even more people in need.”
A Shared Vision for RISE
Chris’s passion for RISE is evident in his belief in the work the organization does. He noted, “I love the fact that we are able to help people in the community with the special talents of our staff so they and their families can get to a better future.
“I think that RISE is just a marvelous organization. The expanded mission, the development of new programs, and our taking a leading position as a problem solver in our community is exciting and has differentiated our efforts in solving homelessness. Our new focus on social media to expose to the community what we do, how we do it and how well we do it is a positive. I think people need to recognize that our housing first approach is solving the problems caused by unaffordable local housing costs, which exacerbates mental health and substance abuse. The social media presence is really important and I’m, quite honestly, a recent convert.”
Life in Saratoga
In addition to his work with RISE, he enjoys a variety of activities that help him stay active and connected with others. One of his main hobbies is golf, which he recently rediscovered after returning to the area. He’s now part of a few golf groups, allowing him to reconnect with former colleagues. He’s also enjoying indoor golf and, through it, has had the opportunity to virtually “play” at renowned courses like Pebble Beach and Harbour Town Links in Hilton Head. Though he’s new to indoor golf, he’s found it fun, especially since it allows him to experience courses, he might not otherwise have the chance to visit.
Chris has been happily married for 40 years to his wife, a master’s level social worker, who shares his passion for helping others. Together, they have three children and three grandchildren. When he’s not on the golf course, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, which he says is a fun and rewarding time as they look up to him and his wife, “Mimi and Grandpa,” as the ultimate playmates. “They are at that age where everything they do is a source of joy,” he shares with pride.