For fourteen years, Kris was the General Manager of the multi-award-winning small business, New York, New York Salon & Spa. Under his leadership, the company developed a sustainable ten percent annual growth for thirteen consecutive years. Kris managed 35 outstanding team members creating marketing programs unique to each member. When Kris left his position in June of 2021, the company had quadrupled its size, more than tripled revenue, increased employee benefits, and built a self-sustaining marketing platform.

In 2014, Kris became the project manager for a $1.85M, 8,000 sq. ft. building renovation that would become New York, New York's new home. The nearly two-year project saw Kris coordinating with the city's planning department, Board of Aldermen, residents, county and state officials, and other small businesses. For example, to resolve a land-use issue with the City of Frederick, Kris brought together a team of planning department officials, residents, and attorneys to redraft a portion of the land management code to clear the path to purchase the vacant, blighted property. The successful launch of the new property in October 2016 included City, County, and State officials recognizing the project as a prominent example of adaptive reuse.

When COVID-19 shocked the country, Governor Hogan closed all non-essential businesses. For ten weeks, Kris worked tirelessly to make sure the company maintained stable finances. To that end, he worked while unemployed, meeting with staff, and coordinating new safety protocols for when the company would reopen. Additionally, he worked with banking, federal, and state agencies to secure adequate funding that allowed the company to un-furlough every employee after being closed for four weeks. When the company reopened on May 29, 2020, every employee at New York, New York, that worked before the shutdown had a job and steady source of revenue.

Above all else, giving back to the community is an essential civic duty. Since 2000, Kris has volunteered thousands of hours to numerous nonprofit organizations, including:

Amnesty International

Moms Demand Action

Young Democrats of Frederick County

Neighborhood Advisory Council

Frederick Community College Democrats

Weinberg Center for the Arts

Greater Frederick Advertising Federation

Frederick Arts Council

Special Olympics Frederick County

Frederick City Strategic Opportunities Task Force

Queer Student Union

The Frederick Center

Frederick County Democratic Party

Frederick Festival of the Arts

Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership

United in Kindness Coalition

HIV Coalition

After twenty years helping candidates run for office, Kris joined Delegate Karen Lewis Young as her Legislative Director in 2021. Hired in the middle of the legislative session, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kris telecommuted, helping pass legislation and build relationships virtually. He quickly acquainted himself with the roles and responsibilities of being a legislative director. During his tenure, he:

• Helped craft legislative priorities
• Managed over three hundred unemployment claims
• Advocated for legislation
• Facilitated summer workgroup sessions with advocates, legislators, and government agencies
• Responded to hundreds of constituent feedback letters
• Cultivated relationships with various legislation stakeholders
• Hired, trained, and supported staff, and
• Provided in-depth research and analysis of potential legislation.

Kris has received numerous accolades for his advocacy and compassionate care for residents. Commenting on his effectiveness, Alexandra Tyron-Hopko remarked, “Kris never gave up on my unemployment claim with the Department of Labor. He worked for months with me to resolve my back pay and even met to help me file my claims personally. I am so grateful for his unwavering support.”