Chris Knierim is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of professional experience leading transformative initiatives in training management, project execution, and organizational development. As Principal at Stand Up Success, Chris has consistently delivered measurable improvements in operational efficiency, leadership effectiveness, and business process performance across industries including manufacturing, medical devices, and technology.
Chris’s expertise lies at the critical intersection of systems thinking and human capital development. He specializes in designing and implementing enterprise-wide learning management systems (LMS), spearheading training strategies aligned with regulatory and business goals, and guiding software validation efforts to meet industry compliance standards such as FDA regulations and ISO frameworks. His work has consistently enabled organizations to not only meet compliance benchmarks but also to cultivate high-performance cultures rooted in continuous learning and accountability.
A Certified Trainer in The Success Principles – Train the Trainer Program by the Jack Canfield Companies and certified in Leadership and Cultural Transformation by Barrett Values Centre, Chris brings a dual emphasis on performance and purpose. These credentials support his commitment to transforming organizations from the inside out—aligning personal growth with strategic business outcomes.
Chris currently serves on the boards of two charitable organizations and one technology startup, where he provides strategic oversight, financial governance, and leadership mentoring. These roles reflect his growing influence in the nonprofit and innovation ecosystems, where he brings deep experience, thoughtful governance, and mission-driven insight.
An engineer by education, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Arizona and also studied Environmental Health Engineering at Vanderbilt University. He is a proud member of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris is also a passionate communicator and recently launched a podcast focused on leadership and culture. With a background in stand-up comedy, he blends insight with humor—making complex topics approachable and creating meaningful engagement with teams and audiences alike.
Chris’s personal philosophy—“So the leader goes, so the team goes”—reflects his belief that organizations rise and fall with the strength of their leadership. Having been part of both successes and struggles throughout his career, Chris is now actively seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his breadth of experience to help other organizations scale wisely, lead authentically, and grow sustainably.
Character: Chris demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others through leadership grounded in real-world experience.
Knowledge: He brings over 20 years of expertise in training systems, regulatory compliance, and process improvement across manufacturing, medical device, and technology sectors.
Strategic: Chris excels at aligning learning initiatives with business goals, driving sustainable change through values-based leadership and operational excellence.
Communication: As a podcast host and former stand-up comedian, he blends clarity and humor to engage diverse audiences and communicate complex ideas effectively.
