Chris Yianilos

Chris Yianilos serves as Virginia Tech’s Vice President for Government and Community Relations where he oversees state and federal government relations and local government and community relations activities in the greater Washington, DC area.

While Chris started working for Virginia Tech in 2009, his connection to the university spans over thirty years. He is a graduate of the university, has been an engaged alumnus, and he serves as a member of the President’s senior leadership team. Chris also founded and teaches the university’s “Hokies on the Hill” program, which is an experiential learning program in Washington, DC, focused on Capitol Hill and the U.S. Constitution.

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Chris served for a decade as Senator John Warner’s chief counsel, legislative director, and deputy chief of staff. He also briefly worked in a senior legislative role for Congressman Rob Wittman.

While on Capitol Hill, Yianilos earned respect on both sides of the aisle and a reputation as someone with a strong portfolio of legislative accomplishments. Legislative highlights of his work include: The Teacher Tax Relief Act (Public Law 107-47); The 21st Century GI Bill of Rights (Public Law 110-252); The Gang of 14 “Agreement on Judicial Nominations;” Preserving and Implementing the $5 billion rail to Dulles Airport project; and the Lifespan Respite Care Act (Public Law 109-442); among others.

Chris graduated from Virginia Tech with a double major in political science and history and earned his JD at Washington & Lee University. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar and has served as a federal law clerk to a US district court judge. Chris is also the author of a self-help book for law school students, called, The Law School Breakthrough, and the co-author of “Ethics Reform Legislation: The Federal Experience and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” an article published in Virginia Issues and Answers magazine.

He resides in the City of Alexandria. While he works in Blacksburg and Richmond, Virginia, his primary office is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center – Arlington.