Chris van Aken

Background

About Chris van Aken

As a city planner, my job was to create strategic solutions that set communities up for success. Effectiveness in that role requires a keen understanding of all the systems that keep a city running and how they’re connected to one another. However, it’s not just the nuts and bolts one needs to understand; it’s also about building relationships that foster mutual trust and cooperation between municipal staff and the community they’re serving. I’m proud to say I’m highly skilled in both areas; I can break problems down in a way that makes them easier to tackle, and I can convey each step of the problem-solving process to stakeholders at any level of an organization. While I’ve enjoyed my work in local government, I’m excited for a new challenge and am thrilled to be joining Walmart’s Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP) upon graduation. Outside of work and school, I enjoy traveling, playing guitar, exploring the great outdoors (I’m a native Oregonian—how could this not be on my list?), and watching football.