Chris Van Alstyne

Former ERS Staff
Christian.VanAlstyne@usda.gov

Briefly

Chris Van Alstyne joins ERS in EEO and as the Civil Rights Director. Prior to that he served as a Regional Director for the Department of Justice, Community Relations Service working in the jurisdictions of the 1964 Civil Right Act and 2009 Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Background

Chris Van Alstyne’s career includes a combination of Federal, State and Tribal experience in the areas of civil rights; hate crimes prevention, disaster response, grants and environmental response. Chris served as a Federal Coordinating Officer in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). During disaster operations, he worked with government agencies, faith-based organizations and volunteer groups to provide resources to disaster survivors and impacted communities. His disaster experience includes Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin Tornado and Hurricane Sandy. He also developed training to mitigate against future disasters. A 22-year Army Veteran, Chris served in environmental response, policy development and in overseas assignments.

Education

His education includes an MS from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MS from Central Michigan University and a BA from the University of Washington.