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June is Black Men's Appreciation Month at VBLM: Meet Mr. Chris Shorter

Here at The Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine, we celebrate and amplify the narratives of Black men making an impact on our communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia


Meet Mr. Chris Shorter:

Black man smiling in a grey suit and tie.
Mr. Chris Shorter

Chris Shorter was named County Executive for Prince William County, Virginia, by the Board of County Supervisors in October 2022. Prior to serving as the County Executive in Prince William County, Chris served as the first City Administrator in the City of Baltimore, Assistant City Manager in Austin, Texas, and served for over 10 years in various leadership roles for the District of Columbia government, including Director of the DC Department of Public Works. Chris has dedicated his professional career to helping build better communities through improved municipal operations by supporting healthy, people-centered organizations. Chris was selected GoldenGov: City Executive of the Year in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs. He has three teenage children – Christopher, Evan and Nadia – and lives in Prince William County, VA.



What are you most known for?


County Executive for Prince William County, Virginia!


How would your best friend describe you?


Disciplined, family oriented and people centered.


Who inspires you?


My experience growing up in Detroit, Michigan inspired me to enter public service, specifically local government. There were significant gaps in life expectancy and quality of life between low-income communities and wealthier neighborhoods in the City. I've committed to a professional life in this work to improve life and cities and counties across all neighborhoods regardless of income level.


What is your greatest accomplishment?


My greatest accomplishment is being a father to my three amazing children.


In a perfect world, what is one thing you'd like to see happen for Black men?


Black boys and men are falling behind educationally, economically, and on many indicators of social wellbeing. In a perfect world we would bring attention and resources to supporting men and boys in more intentional ways nationally and locally.


What does perseverance mean to you? Can you share an example of a time you persevered?


Perseverance, to me, means steadfastly pursuing a goal despite facing obstacles and setbacks. It's about maintaining dedication, resilience, and a positive attitude even when the path is tough, and success seems distant. A notable instance of my perseverance is serving as the first Black County Executive in Prince William and the first in recent memory to serve in the role from outside the County.


Which songs are on your playlist, that you think other Black men should add to theirs?


  • “The Beautiful Struggle,” by Talib Kweli

  • “Fly Away,” by Goodie Mob

  • “Done For Me,” by Adekunle Gold

  • “Champion,” by Kanye West

  • “Jay-Z Blue,” by Jay-Z


If you could go back in time and have a conversation with your younger self; which year would you return to? How old would you be in that year? 

What would you say to your younger self, to inspire him about his bright future?


I'd go back in time to my high school years. A time in my life when I wasn't sure about my future. I tell myself to stay on the path. I'd tell young Chris that the God will carry him to many different places around the Country to help countless people.


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