Pittsburgh Theological Seminary has named the Rev. Dr. Christine “Chris” Chakoian as vice president for seminary advancement. She will begin Nov. 1, 2017.
“I am genuinely delighted that the Rev. Dr. Chakoian is joining us at Pittsburgh Seminary. She’s a successful fundraiser with a passion for theological education and long experience in pastoral leadership. Her past work in collaboration and coaching, plus her enthusiasm for our mission as a Seminary, make her a great addition to our senior leadership team as we work to illustrate God’s generosity and hospitality,” said the Rev. Dr. David Esterline, president and professor of cross-cultural theological education at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Previously Chakoian served as pastor/head of staff at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Ill., and Community Presbyterian Church of Clarendon Hills, Ill. In the past 35 years, she also held positions at Presbyterian churches in Oregon, Ohio, and New York. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois (B.A.), Yale University Divinity School (M.Div.), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D.Min.).
In service to the church and community, Chakoian is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Moveable Feast preaching colloquium, as well as a trustee at Presbyterian Publishing Corp. Additionally, she has served as a co-leader of the PCUSA Centenary Events honoring the Armenian genocide and was a member of the boards at McCormick Theological Seminary, Lebanese American University (Beirut, Lebanon), and Presbyterian Homes.
Her books include Common English Bible – Women’s Bible (editorial board member and writer), Cryptomnesia: How a Forgotten Memory Could Save the Church, Covenant Bible Study (co-host/editorial board member), Feasting on the Gospels (editorial board member and writer), and For Worship, Fellowship, and the Work of the Kingdom. Chakoian has also written a number of articles for such publications as Christian Century and The Presbyterian Outlook and has contributed to Chicago Sunday Evening Club and Day One videos. She has served as the conference leader or preacher at more than a dozen events on such topics as the impact of globalization on the church and rekindling your call.