Chris Andersen had a very nomadic childhood growing up with his father proudly serving 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. He was born in Germany and traveled extensively around the globe to include state-side assignments in Texas, Alabama, Nebraska and Maryland and overseas assignments in Germany (twice) and Okinawa. Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and still has a love in his heart for Austin after spending more than 15 years in the Lone Star State.
 
Chris moved to Iowa in 2008 and has enjoyed a successful career in philanthropy for 14 years with raising more than $15 million for organizations in Iowa and Nebraska. He joined the Des Moines Playhouse staff in October last year as the director of philanthropy and hit the ground running with the successful completion of its $4 million capital campaign. He is excited about returning as a member to the Rotary Club of Des Moines with so many familiar faces.
 
Chris is married to his lovely wife, Shannon. She is the HR and Payroll specialist with Gatehouse Media in Ames. They live in Nevada and have three children. Chris and Shannon thoroughly enjoy their RV and can be found at a state park every weekend from April through October (late April this year). With more than 25 voyages among them, the Andersens enjoy cruise ships, too. They also enjoy family game nights, disc golf and Chris is an avid tennis player and golfer.