How did you learn about Dove Recovery House?
I met Wendy through a shared experience. I initially supported Dove as a non-member with various Human Resource needs.
What made you want to become a board member of Dove Recovery House?
Absolutely, it was the mission. I have family members who have struggled with Substance Use Disorder and trauma. Having a safe place for women to heal is critical as there are unique healing needs.
I also met the Dove team and found them to be powerful and committed.
What do you hope to achieve during your time as a board member?
I initially wanted to be able to provide Human Resource guidance to the organization. That also led to working directly with the leadership team around organizational structure and team development. I have also been blessed to engage with the entire Dove team around personal and professional growth!
I now get to lead the Board as the Chair. Working with the Board to develop a strong support for Dove is critical.
Outside of your work with Dove Recovery House, what are your passions or hobbies?
I am passionate about helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. I get to do this through my company and personal mentoring.
Hobbies – my relationship with God is very important to me. Spending time on the water brings me joy and renewal. I also love exercising.
What do you believe is the greatest challenge faced by the individuals Dove Recovery House serves, and how can the organization continue to address it?
I know from my personal experience that healing from trauma is hard work. I love that Dove understands the need to heal the whole person. We need to continue to focus there. From a growth perspective, I would love for us to continue to figure out how to support our Dove alumni.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Live Life by Design not by Default!
What is one accomplishment you’re most proud of, personally or professionally?
Speaking to 300 strangers about my walk with mental health illness.
About Chris Mills
Chris is an innovative, service-oriented leader with 30 years of experience across multiple industries including manufacturing, healthcare, business-to-business service, energy, and consumer products. As a business executive, Chris is recognized for her ability to inspire others, drive strategic growth, creatively problem solve, and foster change. She has an extensive background in leadership development, succession planning, as well as the full suite of HR focus areas.
She believes that through effective talent strategies, Human Resource leaders can have a larger impact on the organization outside of the traditional HR scope. That’s why she enjoys coaching leaders to achieve their best self and drive organizational performance by helping them develop goals and strategies to ensure talent is the engine for growth.
Primary focus areas include gap analysis, HR/Business process design, compliance, performance management, strategy development to attract, develop, and retain team embers, HR training for managers, employer brand creating, change management, team development, and aligning performance metrics to measurable outcomes.
Chris’ understanding of business operations, focus on value creation, dedication to helping others reach their full potential; as well as her ability to build rapport and communicate with diverse stakeholders have made her a highly effective business partner.
Chris is a graduate of Manchester University where she completed her BS in Economics. She resides in Noblesville with her husband, Carlton. She is an active member in her church and serves on the boards for Ignite Transform and Dove Recovery House for Women.
