Experience

A Proven Track Record of Strong Leadership and Getting Results

Career Overview

My career journey has been diverse, from chopping down trees on the Coquille Reservation to working at a hot dog stand and selling at The Hub in Coos Bay. After graduating from Marshfield High School and earning an associate degree, I joined retail giant Nordstrom Inc.

Starting as a shoe salesperson, I advanced to Vice-President and General Manager, overseeing 35 store managers, 3,500 employees, and 40 buying teams. My success is rooted in a laser focus on goals and exceptional people skills, creating a positive work environment even under pressure to increase sales and profit.

  • As Vice-President of national retailer Nortdstrom, Inc. Chris lead a staff of 3,500 across 16 stores to $465 Million in revenue with a profit of $50 Million
  • Two decades of service as Chairman of CEDCO and currently Vice-Chair of Tribal One
  • Initiated the investigation of Tribal investment advisors, that restored millions of dollars to our Tribal citizens
  • Success in Washington D.C. securing grants, and funding for Tribal enterprises
  • Success in Washington D.C. securing grants, and funding for Tribal enterprises
  • Understands the pull between accessing and preserving natural resources

Work Experience

First Job — 1976

Cutting trees, and clearing the land behind old Tribal Hall. I was dubbed “number one Loggerette on the Rez.” I got that skill from my Dad, Frank Younker.

Salmon Boat - fishing for salmon out of Charleston boat basin. Was paid in fish, more valuable than money.

Nordstrom Inc. — 1977~2004

Vice-President, General Manager - Oregon, Utah, Colorado - Responsible for 16 stores, 40 buying teams, 3500 employees, $485M annual sales, and $50M operating profit

Vice-President - Oversaw 18 stores, $465M annual sales, 30 senior managers, and a $42M advertising budget

Regional Manager Michigan & Ohio - Store Manager for 12 stores, and Buyer

Tribal Board Involvement

CEDCO — MEDC/Tribal One
2004~Present

Chairman of the Board of Directors for CEDCO

Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for MEDC

Tribal One Communications Board of Managers
2011-2016

Accomplishments

One of three Tribal Members Integral in a the years long effort to establish Coquille Tribe’s SBA 8a designation.

The designation helps provide a level playing field by limiting competition for small businesses (fewer than 500 employees). We now qualify for contracts that help us compete for and win federal contracts.

Hotel tower, Laundry Mill, RV Park
Wharf improvement,Jackson County property holdings, expanded business and Tribal Member job opportunities across the United States.

 

Tribal Committees

Ko-Kwel Nation 2039 Steering Committee
2024

Investment Committee
2015~2023

Coquille Tribal Artist Committee
2006~2014

Coquille Tribal Community Fund 2010~2012

Planning and Economic Joint Advisory Group
2010~2013

Coquille Evolution Working Group
2008~2011