Chris Brand has a lifetime of experience in disability issues.  While growing up in Atlanta, GA, he bonded with a close friend of the family who had Muscular Dystrophy.  For 19 years, he watched the effects that the disease had on the human body of his best friend, as well as the family structure. After losing his friend, Chris knew that his vocation would always be tied to this community whose challenges he knew so well.  This experience prompted him to work the MD telethons and summer camps for many years.  He worked at three different companies doing accessibility modifications to vans and automobiles for the disabled then became a rehabilitation specialist at the Gwinnett Medical Health System working in-patient, out-patient and acute rehab.

Chris joined FODAC in1993 as the donations manager.  Because of his work to develop new resources for donations as well as expand existing ones, Chris was promoted to executive director of FODAC in 2001 and voted president in 2003.  During this period, he guided FODAC through a difficult growing period to become what are now a national best practice program and the largest domestic distribution program of used Home Care Equipment.  This program promotes increased independence and more participation in education, the workplace, and the community in underserved regions of Georgia and the Southeast.

Under Chris’ guidance, FODAC launched its largest ever capital campaign – spanning across three years and including major building renovations, such as energy efficient updates, lobby expansion, more interactive equipment for client usage and thrift store improvements. These changes have increased efficiencies in service and capacity in delivery to clients.  He formed partnerships with local social workers and physical therapists to both provide equipment to them, and collect used equipment from them.

Chris secured a Federal Demonstration Grant from 2006-2010 to help create a network of access points for medical equipment across Georgia and the Southeast and the U.S. He is a member of Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and has established a relationship with Red Cross and GEMA to provide disability shelter kits for general population shelters in Georgia. He leverages new HME donations and works partners to assist in distribution to regions affected by disasters.

Chris currently serves on the National Task Force for Disaster Preparedness and the National Task Force for ReUse of Assistive Technology.  He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the National Rehabilitation Association.  He has made presentations on the ReUse of assistive technology in S. Carolina, Denver, Orlando, and Atlanta. Chris is also the Coordinator of the Stone Mountain Park Foundation for Park employees, Share It Forward. Chris is an active Stone Mountain Rotarian and has assisted with several international service projects.

Chris, his wife Laura and their three children are members of All Souls Church in Decatur. He has also enjoyed serving in many ministries including the Atlanta Passion Play for 12 years.