Partner
Chris Schwinden is a Partner at Site Selection Group, where he leads the analytics and consulting components of industrial site selection projects while also providing strategic support to economic development clients. With a focus on aligning the interests of communities and businesses, Chris brings a comprehensive approach to fostering long-term, productive relationships that benefit all stakeholders.
Before joining Site Selection Group, Chris led the research function at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. He also worked for the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where he played a pivotal role in supporting business recruitment and evaluating key incentive programs. Before his work in economic development, Chris spent four years in the financial services industry in New York, where he developed a diverse skill set that complements his current role.
With 12 years of experience in site selection and economic development, Chris specializes in industrial site selection projects. His unique perspective, honed by years of working on both sides of the equation, ensures a balanced approach to meeting client needs while helping communities thrive.
A recent trend that excites Chris is the increasing availability of data and automation in site selection, though he emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying components and assumptions in the data to ensure better decision-making. He is continually seeking to improve his ability to discern clients' unique drivers and goals, ensuring that solutions are precisely tailored to their needs.
Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University. Outside of work, Chris enjoys running, traveling, and cheering for Notre Dame Football. His wife, Rebecca, is a professor of musicology at the University of North Texas.
Fun fact: Chris hails from Fargo, North Dakota, so if you ever get a call from a 701 number, it's not spam—it’s him!
