Chris Stakich is a lifelong champion of experiential learning and global leadership. He currently serves as CEO of Summit Series, a global community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and nonprofit leaders committed to making a positive impact in the world.

After graduating from Harvard University, Chris dedicated his career to the intersection of travel, education, and purpose-driven leadership. He previously served as Chief Experience Officer at the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), the world’s largest network of CEOs with over 32,000 members in 143 countries. Before YPO, Chris was CEO and Chairman of the Board at Rustic Pathways. With full-time operations in more than 20 countries around the world, Rustic Pathways is widely viewed as the global leader in community service and education-based travel for high school students.

Chris is also the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Thinking Beyond Borders, Founder of USA Gap Year Fairs, and has held board or advisory roles with Thrival Academies and Global Citizen Year.

He currently lives in Lake Tahoe with his wife and three young boys, continuing to champion initiatives that expand opportunity, cultivate empathy, and connect young people to the world.