Dr. Christian A. Friend recently joined Heartland Alliance as the new Chief Impact Officer. As the leader of our Research & Policy division, Christian will provide high-level and collaborative direction, support, and thought leadership toward advancing systemic change and solving the root causes of poverty and racial inequity, while developing the organization’s capacity to innovate, drive program growth, and increase social impact.
Christian brings a passion for equity and social justice, combined with decades of experience in research and evaluation related to equity. He has worked in public housing, public education, non-profit human services, and private consulting.
When he was first introduced to Heartland Alliance, Christian was immediately struck by the power and uniqueness of the organization; he felt impressed by both the breadth and depth of the work.
“There is so much that we do at Heartland Alliance to invest deeply in the lives of individuals and communities,” he said. “In today’s social, economic, and political context, I cannot imagine a better place from which to lead systemic change.”
Christian has always had a keen interest in work that helps address the needs of low-income people of color in urban areas. He is excited to learn more about Heartland Alliance’s work on the west and south sides of Chicago. Overall, Christian wants to more intentionally connect research and policy to the program services that Heartland Alliance provides, such as by helping to create coherent data systems that inform service providers, funding partners, and other stakeholders.
Christian is a native of Teaneck, NJ, and has lived or worked in Richmond, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Charlotte. He previously lived in Chicago while attending graduate school and he is excited to be back. He and his wife Keisha have spent the last few weeks walking and driving around the city.
“Chicago has so much to offer, not the least of which is the best food in the world,” he said. “Keisha and I are excited to start planting some roots here in Chicago, and we hope to we can be a valuable part of this organization and the city as a whole.”
Please help us welcome Christian to the Heartland Alliance team and the Research & Policy family.
