Christopher Watt was appointed Interim Chief of Staff in April 2022 and Chief of Staff in September 2022. In this role, he oversees the Human Resources & Risk Management department, Contracting & Procurement, Community Development Services, Information Technology, and the Office of Strategic Engagement, as well as provides oversight for administrative and operational processes. Chris joined the City in 2017, first as Employee Relations Specialist then as the HR & Risk Management Assistant Director in August 2018 and was appointed HR & Risk Management Director in November 2021.

Chris received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ and graduated from Albany Law School of Union University. Prior to working with the city, Chris was the Attorney of Counsel for Carter Conboy in Albany, NY for six years and a partner at Hamilton, Watt PLLC for five years. Chris is a member of several professional associations, including the Marion County and Florida Bar Associations, and is a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)-Senior Certified Professional.

In his spare time, Chris appreciates time spent with his family, including wife Lesley and adult daughters. His other pursuits include being a car enthusiast, cheering for his favorite sports teams, traveling, caring for his household pets and farm animals, and enjoying equestrian activities.