Meet the co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong, a national nonprofit dedicated to assisting American veterans in their transition to civilian life. Since its inception in 2009, SoldierStrong has focused on providing revolutionary medical technologies to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans across the country, with donations exceeding $5.5 million since 2013.
Aside from his philanthropic endeavors, Chris Meek boasts a distinguished career as a financial services executive spanning over 25 years. Holding a BA in economics and political science from Syracuse University, an MBA in financial management from Pace University in New York City, and an MPA from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, he recently completed his doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California.
Recognition for his philanthropic efforts includes the President’s Call to Service Award (2011), March of Dimes Franklin Delano Roosevelt Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award (2012), Syracuse University’s Orange Circle Award (2014), the American Council for Technology – Industry Advisory Council’s “Game Changer” Award (2020), and being named a “Face of Philanthropy” by the Chronicle of Philanthropy (2021).
In August 2020, he joined VoiceAmerica with his show “Next Steps Forward.” This show serves as a beacon of personal empowerment, encouraging listeners to commit to their well-being and find inspiration in overcoming adversity. Through interviews with leaders from various fields, he aims to provide insights and stories that empower listeners to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
His journey took a new turn when he met Andi Buerger, a survivor of human trafficking and founder of Voices Against Trafficking (VAT), featured on his program in 2020. Inspired by Andi’s story and activism, he now serves on the Board of Directors of VAT and uses “Next Steps Forward” as a platform to raise awareness and educate about human trafficking.
His favorite phrase, instilled by his mother, guides his life: “We might not be able to change the world today, but we can change the world around us.” Through SoldierStrong, “Next Steps Forward,” and his involvement with VAT, he continues to embody this philosophy, changing lives and communities for the better.
To learn more about him, visit nextstepsforward.com or check out his book “Next Steps Forward: Beyond Remembering, The Power of Action” available on Amazon.
