Chris Normile is an experienced higher education and workforce development leader specializing in strategic partnerships, enrollment growth, and expanding access to education for non-traditional and underserved learners. With more than a decade in nonprofit, online higher education, he has built and led high-performing teams that develop impactful partnerships with employers, academic institutions, and K–12 school districts across the United States.
In leadership roles at Western Governors University, Chris has played a key role in shaping regional and national partnership strategies, including serving on founding leadership teams focused on expanding the university’s presence across the Northeast region and the K-12 vertical. He has led cross-functional initiatives spanning marketing, operations, and talent development, while overseeing partnership portfolios and budgets that support large-scale enrollment and workforce development goals.
Prior to WGU, Chris held partnership roles at Excelsior University, consistently exceeding enrollment and revenue targets while designing innovative degree completion and workforce education solutions. His earlier career in media and advertising sales provided a strong foundation in consultative, data-driven marketing and business development.
Chris holds a Master of Science in Education in College Student Services Administration from The College of Saint Rose and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication, Learning and Design from Ithaca College. He is committed to advancing equitable access to education and aligning learning pathways with workforce needs.
Chris finds work that impacts the educational advancement, professional development and career advancement of others to be meaningful and rewarding. Learn more about Chris’ professional experience.
