Chris Meek

Last updated
Chris Meek
Chris Meek 2014.jpg
Chris Meek at a SoldierSocks fundraising event in 2014
Alma mater Syracuse University (BA)
Pace University (MBA)
Political party Republican
Children3

Christopher Meek is an American philanthropist and finance executive and author. [1] Meek is the co-founder and chairman of SoldierStrong, a charitable organization which provides support for U.S. service members and veterans. He is also the co-founder and chairman of START Now!, a non-profit which provides foreclosure counseling to homeowners. He is also the managing director of global relationship management at S&P Global and a member of the Maxwell School Advisory Board at Syracuse University. [2]

Contents

Education and career

In 1992, Meek graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He has a Master of Business Administration degree from Pace University. [3]

Meek was an equity derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs for 16 years before stepping down as a vice president in the securities division in August 2011. [4] [5] [6] As of 2023, he is the managing director of global relationship management at S&P Global. [2]

Philanthropy

Chris Meek (right) receiving the 2014 Syracuse University Orange Circle Award for his philanthropic work from Chancellor Kent Syverud; April 2, 2014. Chris Meek accepting the Syracuse University 2014 Orange Circle Award.jpg
Chris Meek (right) receiving the 2014 Syracuse University Orange Circle Award for his philanthropic work from Chancellor Kent Syverud; April 2, 2014.

In April 2009, Meek held a mortgage modification event for homeowners and lenders at a Stamford, Connecticut community center. [7] The event led to the founding of the foreclosure counseling non-profit START Now!. [6] According to Meek, from April 2009 to March 2011, it has helped prevent foreclosures on 250 properties. [5]

Meek also founded Soldier Socks in 2009 after a conversation with a former U.S. Marine about the lack of basic necessities, such as socks and baby wipes, available to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. [8] By 2013, Soldier Socks had sent 73,000 pounds of hygiene items, and founded the Soldier Socks Veterans Grant Foundation. [9] In 2013, the organization changed its name to SoldierStrong and shifted efforts to meet the needs of returning service members. It provides medical technologies to Veterans Affairs medical facilities and individual veterans in the country. It partnered with Ekso Bionics, the manufacturers of robotic exoskeletons to give paralyzed veterans the ability to walk again. [10] As of December 2023, SoldierStrong has donated 30 exoskeleton suits to VA hospitals and injured veterans. [11]

Through his organization, Meek provides the BraveMind virtual reality system, used to treat veterans living with PTS. The technology is developed by the USC's Institute for Creative Technologies. [12]

Meek also provides academic scholarships through the SoldierScholar program at the Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and at Old Dominion University. [8] [13] [14] [15]

In 2014, he received the Syracuse University’s Orange Circle Award for his philanthropic work. [16]

On May 22, 2018, Meek testified in front of the U.S. House Subcommittees on Research and Technology and Energy on the topic of empowering U.S. veterans through technology. [17]

Politics

In the summer of 2010, Meek was appointed to the Stamford Urban Redevelopment Commission. [6] On November 17, 2011, Meek formally announced his candidacy to represent Connecticut's 4th congressional district. [18] He ended his campaign on May 26, 2012, a week after he got 27% of the vote in the Republican state convention. [19] He has not been a candidate for public office since that time.

Podcast and books

Meek is the host of a podcast, Next Steps Forward with Chris Meek which airs on the Voice America Talk Radio Network’s Empowerment channel. On his podcast, guests such as Anne Beiler, Karen Pence, Dana Perino, Ray Scott, and Charles Haley among others have appeared. [20]

He is also the author of the book Next Steps Forward: Beyond Remembering (ISBN 979-8986020808) which was published in May 2022. As a charter media member of the nonprofit Voices Against Trafficking, he has also contributed to the organization's anthology titled, Voices Against Trafficking: The Strength of Many Voices Speaking As One (ISBN 978-1733360524) which was published in December 2021. [21]

Personal life

Meek is married with three children. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Syracuse University</span> Private university in Syracuse, New York

Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, United States. Established in 1870 with roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university has been nonsectarian since 1920. Located in the city's University Hill neighborhood, east and southeast of Downtown Syracuse, the large campus features an eclectic mix of architecture, ranging from nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival to contemporary buildings. Syracuse University is organized into 13 schools and colleges and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairfield County, Connecticut</span> County in Connecticut, United States

Fairfield County is a county in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It is the most populous county in the state and was also its fastest-growing from 2010 to 2020. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 957,419, representing 26.6% of Connecticut's overall population. The closest to the center of the New York metropolitan area, the county contains four of the state's top 7 largest cities—Bridgeport (1st), Stamford (2nd), Norwalk (6th), and Danbury (7th)—whose combined population of 433,368 is nearly half the county's total population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hybrid Assistive Limb</span>

The Hybrid Assistive Limb is a powered, soft-bodied exoskeleton suit developed by Japan's Tsukuba University and the robotics company Cyberdyne. It is designed to support and expand the physical capabilities of its users, particularly people with physical disabilities. There are two primary versions of the system: HAL 3, which only provides leg function, and HAL 5, which is a full-body exoskeleton for the arms, legs, and torso.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D Systems</span> American 3D printing company

3D Systems Corporation headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a company that engineers, manufactures, and sells 3D printers, 3D printing materials, 3D Printed Parts, and application engineering services. The company creates product concept models, precision and functional prototypes, master patterns for tooling, as well as production parts for direct digital manufacturing. It uses proprietary processes to fabricate physical objects using input from computer-aided design and manufacturing software, or 3D scanning and 3D sculpting devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan AbilityLab</span> Hospital in Illinois, United States

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), is a not-for-profit nationally ranked physical medicine and rehabilitation research hospital based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1954, the AbilityLab is designed for patient care, education, and research in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). The AbilityLab specializes in rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions ranging from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. Affiliated with Northwestern University, the hospital is located on Northwestern’s Chicago campus and partners on research and medical efforts.

<i>Stamford Advocate</i> Daily newspaper based in Connecticut

The Advocate is a seven-day daily newspaper based in Stamford, Connecticut. The paper is owned and operated by Hearst Communications, a multinational corporate media conglomerate with $4 billion in revenues.

ReWalk is a commercial bionic walking assistance system that uses powered leg attachments to enable paraplegics to stand upright, walk and climb stairs. The system is powered by a backpack battery, and is controlled by a simple wrist-mounted remote which detects and enhances the user's movements. Designed in Yokneam, Israel, by Amit Goffer, the ReWalk is marketed by ReWalk Robotics Ltd, and is priced at approximately US$85,000 per unit.

The Institute for Security Policy and Law (SPL), formerly known as the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT), is a multidisciplinary research institute based in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Syracuse University College of Law. SPL was established in 2003 by Prof. William C. Banks with the goal of supporting an interdisciplinary approach to national security and counterterrorism law and policy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SoldierStrong</span>

SoldierStrong is a Stamford, Connecticut based 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve the lives of the men and the women of the United States Armed Forces.

<i>Sym-Bionic Titan</i> Animated science-fiction television series

Sym-Bionic Titan is an American animated television series created by Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews and Paul Rudish for Cartoon Network. The series focuses on a trio consisting of the alien princess Ilana, the strict but rebellious alien soldier Lance, and the robot Octus, who arrive on Earth and combine themselves to create the titular Sym-Bionic Titan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Powered exoskeleton</span> Wearable machine meant to enhance a persons strength and mobility

A powered exoskeleton is a mobile machine that is wearable over all or part of the human body, providing ergonomic structural support and powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics, levers, hydraulics or a combination of cybernetic technologies, while allowing for sufficient limb movement with increased strength and endurance. The exoskeleton is designed to provide better mechanical load tolerance, and its control system aims to sense and synchronize with the user's intended motion and relay the signal to motors which manage the gears. The exoskeleton also protects the user's shoulder, waist, back and thigh against overload, and stabilizes movements when lifting and holding heavy items.

Corinna E. Lathan is an American entrepreneur, engineer, and social activist. She is the author of InventingThe Future: Stories from a Techno Optimist. Dr. Lathan is currently CEO of De Oro Devices. She is also the Co-Founder, and former CEO and Board Chair of AnthroTronix, Inc., a biomedical research and development company headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. Lathan is recognized for her work on digital health software and assistive technology.

SoldierSanta is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports United States soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan by shipping holiday gifts during the Christmas and holiday season.

Homayoon Kazerooni is an Iranian-born American roboticist, mechanical engineering, and professor. He serves as a professor of mechanical engineering, and the director of the Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. Kazerooni is also the co-founder of Ekso Bionics and SuitX. As a noted authority on robotics, he is frequently profiled and quoted in the media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ekso Bionics</span>

Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. is a company that develops and manufactures powered exoskeleton bionic devices that can be strapped on as wearable robots to enhance the strength, mobility, and endurance of industrial workers and people experiencing paralysis and mobility issues after a brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury. They enable individuals with any amount of lower extremity weakness, including those who are paralyzed, to stand up and walk.

Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory is managed and operated by University of California, Berkeley. The lab conducts scientific research on the design and control of a class of robotic systems worn or operated by humans to increase human mechanical strength.

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton, marketed as Indego, is a powered exoskeleton designed by the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics at Vanderbilt University in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is intended to assist paraplegics, stroke victims and other paralyzed or semi-paralyzed people to walk independently. Motion and control technologies manufacturer Parker Hannifin is funding further development, and plans to release the first commercial version of the exoskeleton in 2015.

Neuromechanics of orthoses refers to how the human body interacts with orthoses. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from stroke, multiple sclerosis, postpolio, spinal cord injuries, or various other ailments that benefit from the use of orthoses. Insofar as active orthoses and powered exoskeletons are concerned, the technology to build these devices is improving rapidly, but little research has been done on the human side of these human-machine interfaces.

William Charles Banks is an American law professor and legal scholar in constitutional law, national security law, and counterterrorism law. He is a Professor of Law Emeritus at Syracuse University College of Law and Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs Emeritus at SU's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is also the current Chair of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Law & National Security.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soft exoskeleton</span> Powered exoskeleton without a rigid shell or frame

A soft exoskeleton, also known as a soft wearable robot or a soft robotic exosuit, is a type of wearable robotic device designed to augment and enhance the physical abilities of the human body. Unlike traditional rigid exoskeletons, which are typically made of hard materials like metal and are worn over the user's limbs, soft exoskeletons are constructed from flexible and lightweight materials. Soft exoskeletons are designed to assist individuals with mobility impairments, aid in rehabilitation, augment human performance, and improve overall quality of life.

References

  1. ↑ Keating, Susan (February 9, 2017). "Meet the Man Helping Paralyzed Veterans Stand, One Robotic Skeleton at a Time". People . Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "Maxwell Advisory Board". Syracuse University. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Meek, Chris". The Maxwell School of Syracuse University. November 14, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Class Notes". Syracuse University Magazine. Vol. 32, no. 3. Fall–Winter 2009. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2011.
  5. 1 2 Varnon, Rob (March 22, 2011). "Goldman Sachs' exec brings foreclosure counseling show to Bridgeport". The Stamford Advocate . Hearst Newspapers . Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 Kim, Elizabeth (November 18, 2011). "Activist starts 4th District campaign". The News-Times . Hearst Newspapers.
  7. ↑ Quinn, James (April 17, 2009). "US clutches at straws of recovery". The Telegraph . Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  8. 1 2 Wilson, Korey (July 3, 2013). "Stamford's founder of Soldier Socks helps troops in need". The Norwalk Hour. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  9. ↑ "Vineyard Vines helps Soldier Socks expand". Greenwich Post. Hersam Acorn Newspapers. July 17, 2012. Archived from the original on August 12, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ "Bionic Suit Could Help Paralyzed Soldiers Walk Again". Fox News. 13 June 2013.
  11. ↑ SoldierStrong (December 18, 2020). "VA New Orleans Receives Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Exoskeleton From National Nonprofit SoldierStrong". Globe Newswire.
  12. ↑ "Life After Service: StrongMind technology to treat Veterans with PTSD". VA News. 6 March 2020.
  13. ↑ Blair, R. (June 13, 2013). "Bionic Suit Could Help Paralyzed Soldiers Walk Again". FOX 61. Tegna . Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Stories From Main Street: Stamford-Based Charity Tries To Help Paralyzed Vets Walk Again". CBS. June 24, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  15. ↑ Pottle, Justin (October 10, 2013). "The Ekso makes its Greenwich debut". Greenwich Time . Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  16. ↑ Rodoski, Kelly Homan (27 March 2014). "Orange Circle Awards to Be Presented April 2". SU News.
  17. ↑ "Empowering U.S. Veterans Through Technology". science.house.gov. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  18. ↑ Altimari, Daniela (November 17, 2011). "Republican Chris Meek Formally Announces His Run for Congress in CT-4". Hartford Courant . Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  19. 1 2 Vigdor, Neil (May 26, 2012). "Obsitnik won't face primary for GOP House nod". CT Insider. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Next Steps Forward". The VoiceAmerica Talk. Retrieved 2024-06-02.
  21. ↑ Voices Against Trafficking - Table of Contents. ISBN   1733360522.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.