Chris Tennill is a go-to strategic advisor in the areas of crisis management, community engagement and bond/levy campaigns. He is passionate about mentoring and coaching those new to the school PR profession. Chris’s experience includes serving as the chief communications officer at the School District of Clayton, where he was responsible for leading all aspects of a comprehensive school communications program, along with strategic planning and community engagement programs. Chris led efforts to successfully pass multiple operating levy increases and bond issues to support Clayton schools and served as a strategic advisor to senior cabinet members. He also worked to advance the work of the Clayton Education Foundation and their mission of supporting students and teachers. Prior to joining Clayton, Chris was marketing coordinator at Hastings and Chivetta Architects, where he supported marketing, advertising and business development efforts and assisted K-12 and higher education clients with campaign and fundraising materials. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Louis University and is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

Chris served as south central vice president of the National School Public Relations (NSPRA), was co-leader of NSPRA’s New Professionals Program and served on several NSPRA committees. He was also selected as president, president-elect and eastern director of the Missouri School Public Relations Association. Chris has earned more than 50 awards for individual publications, programs, digital media and campaigns at both the state and national level and has served as a featured presenter at local, state and national communication conferences. NSPRA recognized Chris with its Frontrunner Award in 2007.

Chris lives in the St. Louis area with his wife, Deana, who teaches English at a local public high school, and has two daughters: Sydney, a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and Olivia, who is studying digital video and communications at Saint Louis University. Chris is an avid soccer fan, “bordering on soccer junkie,” although he has retired from coaching soccer. He enjoys attending St. Louis City SC games. He also likes to fish, hone his skills as an amateur chef and exercise his skills as a barbecue aficionado (making more than eating).

Chris’s Fun Fact
Chris learned the art of sausage making from his uncle/godfather. His mother’s side of the family has Polish roots. Chris and his family regularly make hand-crafted, old-world sausages throughout the year, primarily around the holidays. Chris has also ventured into making charcuterie and dry-aging steaks. 

Chris on Creative Entourage
The strategic collaboration and expertise of this group when it comes to helping school districts engage their community to support important initiatives for students is unmatched. CE is a partner that public schools can count on in times where community support and permission is needed to help fulfill their commitment to doing great things for their students.