ACEL Young Professional Spotlight: Chris Arias

by webmaster

March 1, 2019

The Zombies Among Us

1. What do you like most about living in Gainesville?

The people. Gainesville has a young, educated and creative population. There is a lot of positive energy here that breeds innovation in all aspects of life, from art to technology. It makes for really great conversations and learning opportunities at every turn.

2. Tell me about your job or area of study.

I’m thrilled to be a part of the amazing work being done at ITProTV, where I manage marketing operations for
the growth team. In addition,
I oversee our email
marketing programs.

3. What are some of the biggest challenges you have encountered as a young professional?

Finding an organization with a culture that matched my values. I’m grateful to be a part of the team at ITProTV, where qualities like mutual respect, transparency, freedom to experiment and a positive approach to challenges are encouraged and exuded at all levels of the company.

4. What is the best advice you have ever been given?

A few good people have mentioned the quote by Michael Dell, “Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people or find a different room.” More so than anything, I have learned the most by surrounding myself with brilliant, principled people.

5. Outside of your job, are you involved with other activities?

CONCEPT COMPANIES Names New Chief Executive Ocer in Strategic Plan to Manage Exponential Growth

I’m the marketing and communications chair for ACEL: Alachua County Emerging Leaders, where I lead a team of 10 incredibly talented marketing professionals and represent our committee on the board of directors. The marketing team at ACEL is stacked with experts in every scope of the marketing profession. I’m privileged to get to support them in promoting our message.

6. What do you do for fun in Gainesville?

When I’m not volunteering my time to local nonprofits, I enjoy hiking at parks like Bivens Arm and Sweetwater Wetlands Park. I love going to local shows at Heartwood Soundstage, The Atlantic and High Dive. I used to do music photography to help promote local artists, and still enjoy taking photos and videos of local performances. Outside of that, I really like attending networking mixers like AIGA’s Drinks & Design as well as ACEL’s monthly Happy Hour. In addition, I really enjoy writing for work and pleasure.