Christopher Whitaker

Christopher Whitaker is an experienced professional in civic technology and project management, currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago, where a course on Civic Tech, Policy, and Urban Development is being developed. As a Digital Service Expert at the Defense Digital Service since March 2020, Christopher contributes to significant initiatives including Operation Warp Speed and Hack the Pentagon. From 2014 to 2020, Christopher managed daily operations for the Code for America Brigade Network, notably expanding its reach from 9 to 83 cities. Previous roles include founding CivicWhitaker, consulting for the Smart Chicago Collaborative, and serving as a Program Representative for the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Christopher holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from DePaul University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Sam Houston State University. Military experience includes service as an Infantryman in the US Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom.