Chris Planicka

Chris Planicka has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning various organizations and roles.

Chris most recently worked for Water For People as the Director of Strategic Integration, where they led efforts to enhance performance, identify new strategies, and ensure fundraising success. Prior to this role, they served as the Director of Grants Unit, establishing the unit and providing grant management leadership. Chris also worked as the Senior Manager of Program Grants, coordinating complex grants and establishing new processes for administering grants from bilateral and multilateral donors.

Before joining Water For People, Chris worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society as the Business Manager, Conservation Operations, and later as the Budget Manager, Conservation Operations/Conservation Solutions. In these roles, they provided financial and budgetary management support for cross-cutting conservation efforts and supervised administrative staff.

Additionally, Chris has worked as a Research Consultant for the University Neighborhood Housing Program, a Project Manager and Program Associate for EcoAgriculture Partners, and a Northwest Bronx Collaborative Coordinator for the University Neighborhood Housing Program.

Chris has also held various roles such as Consultant for the Agriculture and Food Security Center at The Earth Institute, IT Consultant at Columbia University, Small Enterprise Development Intern at Seeds of Life - AusAid/ACIAR, and Research Assistant at The Earth Institute at Columbia University.

Chris's work experience also includes volunteer roles with the Peace Corps Response, where they served as a Small Enterprise Technical Advisor and an Environment/Agroforestry Volunteer.

Overall, Chris has demonstrated expertise in strategic integration, grant management, financial management, and program coordination across various sectors and organizations.

Chris Planicka received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame in 2005. From 2011 to 2013, they pursued a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) degree at Columbia | SIPA.