Chris Ford is a Senior Advisor for Vertx Partners focused on discovering, coaching, and connecting innovative businesses to government capability needs. Since 2016, he has specialized on the commercialization phase (Phase III) of the Small Business Innovation Research Program, securing awards of ~50 Phase III contracts of various types and sizes for the companies he supported. Prior to joining the Vertx Team, Chris held several executive positions in large-, small-, and non-profit defense and aerospace companies. He started his career in the US Air Force, retiring after serving 22 years with a wide range of operational, headquarters, academic, and acquisition assignments with most of those revolving around employment, maintenance, and development of our nuclear and conventional weapon stockpiles.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Chris is most passionate about distance hiking and long trails. Since 2015, he has completed the “Triple Crown” of hiking and logged over 17,000 trail miles…no signs of slowing down yet!