Chris O’Rourke

Chris leads the strategic and operational infrastructure necessary to ensure ESG’s internal systems are as high-performing and impactful as the external strategies developed for clients. In this role, Chris oversees the organization’s daily execution of business goals, ensuring that project management, financial systems, and human capital strategies are aligned with ESG’s strategic vision. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, Chris helps scale ESG’s impact while maintaining the organizational agility required to “see around the corner” in a rapidly shifting education and talent landscape.

Prior to joining ESG, Chris spent over 15 years as a senior executive within the Omnicom network, where he led strategic growth initiatives for Fortune 50 companies including Salesforce, Oracle, Kimberly Clark, Mastercard, Bank of New York Mellon, and others throughout Europe, Asia, South Africa, and North and South America.

Chris is also an educator for seasoned C-suite leaders. In his role as Director of the Washington D.C. Chief Operating Officer Business Forum, Chris runs monthly workshops on topics including Change Management, Navigating Uncertainty, and Building Institutional Culture.

Why are you in this work?

Education is a gift which can open a window of opportunity for both the provider and the receiver. As we think today about creating a “better” normal for ourselves and our communities, we must start with a focus on education and the power of knowledge and an increased perspective to transform lives. I’m in this work to drive curiosity, engagement, and inclusive participation – for both myself and the communities we work with at ESG.

Why ESG?

I am excited to learn from my peers and share the knowledge I’ve achieved in my career and life to help create change and opportunity for others.