Chris Ward’s Bio

Chris Ward knows sports. He’s a former professional basketball player, and currently working for the largest sports management company in the world. He trains high school student-athletes, college players for the NBA pre draft and NBA players in off season conditioning. So, when you add his knowledge of the game, and his passion for helping kids, it’s a winning combination.

Chris’ goal is to reach at-risk students through sports. As a professional basketball player for 7 years, he was able to tour the world and he wants young athletes to follow in his footsteps. “Kids can use sports to take them anywhere they want to go,” he says. “It’s important for them to be exposed to different environments and sports can do it, if they remain dedicated, and it’s my job to keep them inspired.”

After a serious injury ended his basketball career, he started working at the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay mentoring students. As a Youth Development Specialist, he created the College Education Through Athletics or CETA program. He assist teenagers in understanding their potential as well as helping them get to places where they never thought they could, college. He has assisted 31 students achieve a college education on an athletic and/or academic scholarship.

While working at the Boys & Girls Club he met his current business partner Celeste Roberts. Together they created IMPACTS Consulting Group which provides professional services that assist organizations design, enhance and manage programs that improve the quality of life for young people. IMPACTS’ goal is to improve multiple programs and communities together successfully.

In 2007, Chris founded The Skills Center with Celeste Roberts and John Arroyo to provide the foundation for personal growth and development in young people ages 8-18 by influencing change through academics, life skills, and athletics

Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and Master's degree in Youth Development through Sports from Springfield College.

He and his wife, Annaleisa, live in Tampa, FL with their son Tyson.