Chris Tatarka headshot
Leadership Educator and Coach

“The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”  — Robert M. Pirsig, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

Chris Tatarka, PhD, has more than 35 years of leadership, operational and educational experience across military, federal law enforcement and higher education settings. A retired US Army officer, he served in various command and staff positions during his 21-year career, including leading a section of 180 personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chris also spent 14 years in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving as a manager, analyst and leadership trainer.

Chris has taught and developed leaders in a variety of settings, including as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point and a trainer in the FBI Leadership Development Program at the FBI Academy. He currently teaches in higher education and works as a leadership trainer and coach. His work with leaders focuses on developing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication and trust while also helping leaders understand their organizations and identify opportunities for positive change.

Chris holds a PhD in business administration, a master's in public administration and a master's in developmental psychology. He is also a certified emotional intelligence trainer and coach. Chris teaches the three courses that make up the Applied Leadership and Organizational Impact Certificate: 

  • Leading with Authenticity, Communication and Trust
  • Team Leadership
  • Leading Across the Organization