The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands and then work outward from there.Robert Pirsig
A body of research suggests that successful people across nearly every field are both self-reflective and action-oriented—they take time to think deeply yet also know when to roll up their sleeves and get things done. After a 35-year career as a leader, analyst, and trainer, Chris is passionate about helping others become self-reflective doers in their own career and leadership journeys.
Expertise
With over three decades of public service in the military and federal government, Chris has served as a leader and has an array of experience in positions providing analytic support, program management and in leading and facilitating training. His expertise includes leadership development, management, organizational development, teaching, and program coordination.
Key Accomplishments
- Led a team of over 180 personnel in the collection, analysis, and synthesis of critical information to support decision-making for a 16,000-member military organization during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive courses in Psychology, Human Development, Professional Ethics, and Leadership at a prestigious academic institution. Also taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses as an adjunct faculty member and facilitated leadership development instruction and coaching to over 1000 participants.
- Honored with the U.S. Department of Defense Legion of Merit Award and inducted into the Minnesota National Guard's Court of Honor in recognition of exceptional military service.
- Certified Emotional Intelligence trainer and coach (EQi-36)
Education
- PhD - Business Administration, Northcentral University, Prescott, AZ
- Master of Arts – Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA
- Master of Public Administration, California State University, San Bernardino, CA
- Bachelor of Arts-Psychology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA
Publications and Presentations
- Koehler, C., & Tatarka, C. J. (2013). Fixing aviation intelligence. Armed Forces Journal, June 2013.
- Tatarka, C. J. (2005). Training individual ready reserve soldiers. In F.W. Kagan & C. Kubik (Eds), Leaders in war: West Point remembers the 1991 Gulf War. New York: Frank Cass.
- Tatarka, C. J. & Efaw, J. (Eds.) (2003). Social psychology/Social influence and Stress. In General psychology for leaders. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.