Chris Michael Tena
About Chris Michael Tena
Chris Michael Tena is a Program Manager for AmeriCorps National Direct at the Student Conservation Association in Watsonville, California, where he has worked since 2022. He has a diverse background in program coordination and environmental service, having held various roles in organizations focused on community engagement and conservation.
Work at Student Conservation Association
Chris Michael Tena has been serving as Program Manager for AmeriCorps National Direct at the Student Conservation Association since 2022. In this role, he collaborates with team members and partners to ensure safe working conditions for AmeriCorps members. He is responsible for monitoring project outcomes to ensure compliance with administrative processes and shares insights with the National Program Manager to enhance program effectiveness. Prior to his current position, he worked as the National Program Coordinator from 2019 to 2022 and as the Chicago Program Coordinator from 2017 to 2019.
Education and Expertise
Chris Michael Tena holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, which he completed between 2005 and 2009. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Public Affairs in Non-Profit Management & Social Entrepreneurship from the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Environmental Health and Safety from the College of Lake County in 2015.
Background
Chris Michael Tena has a diverse professional background that includes various roles in environmental and community service organizations. He began his career with the Student Conservation Association as a Conservation Leadership Corps Community Crew Leader in 2015. He has also worked as a SPEA Service Corps Fellow at the Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County and as a Global Business and Social Enterprise Graduate Consulting Project Member at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business.
Achievements
During his tenure at the Student Conservation Association, Chris Michael Tena has mentored up to 80 remotely serving interns as part of the AmeriCorps National Direct program. He has developed opportunities for service learning and engagement for AmeriCorps members, enhancing their experience throughout their service term. His previous roles have also involved building relationships with community organizations and land partners to improve program delivery.
Previous Work Experience
Before his current role at the Student Conservation Association, Chris worked at REI as a Sales Specialist from 2020 to 2022 in Medford, Oregon, and currently in Santa Cruz, California. His experience also includes a position as a National Park Service Academy Rivers & Trails Summer Intern in 2016, where he gained practical experience in environmental conservation.