Leadership

Chris launched Tin Can Communications® in January 2008 after nearly three years as a Principal at Capitol Solutions, where he specialized in telecommunications policy. An active player in telecommunications policy issues since 2001, Chris is an established subject-matter expert on the latest digital technologies and is a frequent speaker on mobile communications and new media strategies. In addition to serving as CEO of Tin Can, Chris is part of the team that created Amplify.com, a service that allowed users to clip articles, photos, and videos from the web and share them across social media. Amplify was acquired by Clipboard in February 2012.

Chris brings more than a decade of experience in political campaigns, issue advocacy, and public affairs to Tin Can. In addition to his work at Capitol Solutions, Chris served as Vice President of Federal Legislative Affairs at ALLTEL. In that capacity, he advised the executive team on matters affecting the company’s business in Washington and was also responsible for developing and executing all legislative outreach. Prior to ALLTEL, Chris spent more than three years as a Manager in External Affairs at AT&T Wireless. During that time, Chris led the wireless industry’s efforts to encourage the FCC to extend wireline-to-wireless portability as part of the 2003 Number Portability mandate. He also led the campaign that successfully turned back the California Public Utility Company’s effort to promulgate a Technology Specific Overlay (TSO) in two local area codes. In January 2004, Chris was recognized by Telecommunications Policy Reports as a top telecommunications lobbyist.

Chris honed his grassroots campaign experience while interning for former Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich’s successful 1996 bid for U.S. Congress and while serving as Representative Ehrlich’s campaign coordinator during the 1998 cycle.

Chris received his MBA from Johns Hopkins University in 2005. He received his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, where he was also a three-time All-Patriot League lacrosse goalie and member of the ‘96 North/South team. In 2011, Chris was the recipient of the Lehigh Alumni Award, the Alumni Association’s highest award for his continued service to Lehigh University.

Teri’s career spans more than two decades in journalism, public relations and public policy. She spent more than 15 years as a journalist, working in three capitol cities – Austin, Washington, D.C., and Kiev, Ukraine. As a reporter for National Journal’s Technology Daily and Dow Jones, she focused on technology and telecommunications policy, including tax and accounting issues. She also worked as an editor at the Austin American-Statesman and the Amarillo Globe-News and as a reporter covering business and politics for the Kiev Post in Kiev.

Teri left journalism to join AT&T’s public relations team as deputy director of communications, where for two and a half years she was front and center during the competition battles. Upon completion of AT&T’s merger with SBC, Teri moved to Capitol Hill to work as Communications Director for the Senate Commerce Committee under Senator Daniel Inouye.

Teri also served as Executive Director of Mobile Future, an innovative industry group that was created to promote and advocate on behalf of the wireless industry. As Executive Director, she brought together a diverse group of individuals, companies and non-profits to serve as thought-leaders on technology and policy. She was in charge of strategic direction of coalition, including all aspects of public policy messaging, Capitol Hill outreach, research projects and trade shows.

Teri has a bachelor’s degree in Post-Soviet and East European Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. While in Austin, she fine tuned her love of live music and good food. An avid baker, Teri spent nearly a year with CakeLove as general manager of the Tyson’s Corner store.