Christopher Watler serves as CEO's Executive Vice President. In this role, Chris is responsible for overseeing CEO's national fund development operations, communications initiatives, and various special projects dedicated to advancing CEO's mission. He previously served as Executive Director of CEO's New York State program overseeing CEO's flagship New York City program and Upstate New York Offices.

Prior to joining CEO, Chris worked for the Center for Court Innovation in several key roles. He served as the project director for the Harlem Community Justice Center, where he developed nationally-recognized, evidence-based reentry programs for youth and adults, diversion programs for juveniles, and eviction-prevention programs for housing court litigants. Chris also served as the deputy director of National Technical Assistance, providing information and assistance to justice systems nationally and internationally. He was instrumental in the launch of both the Red Hook Community Justice Center and Crown Heights Community Mediation Center.

Chris was also the Operations and Training manager for City Volunteer Corps, and the Community Center director for the Union Settlement Association in East Harlem. He is the immediate past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, where he helped oversee the completion of a $40 million clubhouse and affordable housing development at a historic former public school building in Harlem – P.S. 186. Chris holds a BS in political science from the State University of New York at Purchase and an MPA from John Jay College.