Christopher “Chris” S. Lawrence joined Montgomery County in October 2023 as Deputy County Administrator. Chris has extensive experience in community and economic development, strategic planning, capital improvement planning and implementation, and project management.
Prior to joining Montgomery County, Chris was the Deputy Town Manager for the Town of Blacksburg for the past seven years. Prior to joining Blacksburg, he served as Town Manager of Vinton, Va., from 2008 through 2016. Prior to his time at Vinton, Chris served in various roles at the Town of Blacksburg, including Assistant to the Town Manager; Senior Comprehensive Planner; and Development Administrator. Chris also serves as an adjunct instructor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech.
Chris is a member and credentialed manager of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). He is also a member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association (VLGMA) and the American Planning Association (APA).
Chris graduated from Virginia Tech with a master's degree in public administration in 2004. He earned a bachelor's degree in public and urban affairs from Virginia Tech in 1998. Chris also attended the Senior Executive Institute at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia in 2010.
Chris lives in Blacksburg with his wife and three children who attend Montgomery County Public Schools and Virginia Tech.