Christopher Willis

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 vol­unteers 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.”