Chris Pendleton
About Chris Pendleton
Chris Pendleton serves as the Director of Program Management at Submittable, where he has led the development of AI-driven services to simplify grant writing and enhance social impact initiatives. With a background in program management at Microsoft and a strong educational foundation in business and creative writing, he has significantly advanced Submittable's corporate social responsibility platform.
Work at Submittable
Chris Pendleton serves as the Director of Program Management at Submittable, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he has led the development of the company's first AI-driven services, which aim to simplify grant writing for users and enhance social impact initiatives. He has also advanced the delivery of philanthropic software across Submittable's corporate social responsibility platform, impacting hundreds of thousands of users. Additionally, he has managed strategic and technical third-party partnerships, optimizing investments and reducing costs while maximizing product impact. Pendleton created a Program Management Office (PMO) to enhance cross-functional collaboration and introduced structured roles and responsibilities. His efforts have implemented mature research and development processes, resulting in a significant increase in productivity and software releases.
Previous Experience at Microsoft
Before joining Submittable, Chris Pendleton had a notable tenure at Microsoft, where he held several key positions. From 2011 to 2016, he worked as Principal PM Manager for Bing Maps in Bellevue, Washington. He later transitioned to the role of Principal Group Program Manager for Azure Space from 2021 to 2022 in Redmond, Washington. Pendleton also served as Partner Group Program Manager for Azure Maps from 2016 to 2021, contributing to the development of innovative mapping solutions. His experience at Microsoft spanned over a decade and included both on-site and hybrid work environments.
Experience at Vicinity
Chris Pendleton began his career as Professional Services Manager at Vicinity, where he worked for two years from 2000 to 2002 in Sunnyvale, California. In this role, he was responsible for managing professional services, which likely involved overseeing client engagements and ensuring the successful delivery of services. This early experience laid the foundation for his subsequent roles in program management and leadership within the technology sector.
Education and Expertise
Chris Pendleton holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from San Diego State University, where he studied Business Management and Information Decision Systems from 2000 to 2006. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on Creative Writing from the same institution, studying from 1994 to 1997. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in both management principles and effective communication, which are essential in his current role in program management.
Consulting Role at GLG
In 2023, Chris Pendleton worked as a Network Member and Subject Matter Expert at GLG for three months in a remote capacity. This role involved providing insights and expertise, likely leveraging his extensive experience in program management and technology. His consulting work at GLG reflects his commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to industry discussions.