Chris Spires
Senior Director of Online Communications
Department: University Communications
Email: cspires@elon.edu
Phone number: (336) 278-7411
Brief Biography
Christopher Spires is the Senior Director for Online Communications at Elon University, where he leads the university’s web strategy, infrastructure and operations within the Office of University Communications. He oversees the design, development, and governance of Elon’s public-facing websites, ensuring alignment with institutional brand standards, accessibility requirements, and strategic goals.
With more than 20 years of experience in web development and digital communications, Christopher brings a deep technical background that includes expertise in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress theme and plugin development, and custom PHP/MySQL application development using frameworks like Laravel. Prior to joining Elon's Office of University Communications, he directed a boutique web development firm and held technical leadership roles supporting education, healthcare, and real estate clients at marketing agencies across North Carolina.
Christopher is a passionate advocate for accessible, data-informed digital experiences and collaborates closely with campus partners to advance Elon’s mission through thoughtful, user-centered web solutions.
Links
News & Notes
Education
- Elon University - Engineering Physics
- North Carolina A&T State University - Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Concentration)
Employment History
- Senior Director for Online Communications - Elon University
September 2022 - Current
Organize, manage, and direct the day-to-day web services operations for Elon's Office of University Communications, and provide the University's community with a central source for solutions, services, and resources in web application development, website design, analytics, search engine optimization, ADA compliance and online communications strategy.
- Assistant Director for Online Communications - Elon University
August 2015 - September 2022
Leads a three-member web team in the Office of University Communications, managing the university's web content systems, creating and maintaining the core content of the Elon Web site, and providing SEO, strategy and analytics oversight of the university's external web communications.
- Senior Developer - North Star Marketing (Now Tassel)
March 2014 - August 2015
Senior back-end developer responsible for HTML/CSS/Javascript CMS integrations, custom web application development, technical support, server administration, domain and DNS management. CMS integrations performed primarily in WordPress, developing custom themes and plugins based on client needs. Web applications developed using the open source PHP framework Laravel. Also responsible for advising key-players throughout the website process for scoping, quoting, planning, design, implementation and launch.
- Interactive Director - Red House Group (now Able & Company)
May 2012 - March 2014
Director for all web and mobile projects, SEO and social media services. Lead developer for client projects specializing in custom WordPress theme and plugin development. Niche in custom web applications to fill specific client needs. Responsible for new business development, managing external contractors and vendors, project management, asset management, scheduling, writing proposals, quotes, website plans and site maps and overall interactive and technical direction.
- Apple Systems Engineer - Elon University
September 2009 - May 2012
Provided cross platform on-site computer and network support to all University faculty and staff. Responsible for support, deployment and systems administration on all Apple servers, personal computers and computer labs. Responsible for maintaining mobile device management and technical documentation systems.
- Helpdesk Associate - Elon University
August 2003 - September 2009
Provided desktop and basic network phone support for a cross platform network of 3000 computers and 700 printers. Responsible for the development and implementation of campus technical documentation system.
Presentations
- University 2.0: Online Collaboration Tool for Document Sharing on Campus, Presented at EDUCAUSE Southeast Regional Conference, June 3rd, 2010
Awards
- CASE Awards, Silver Award, Recruitment Website - Elon University - January 2020
- CASE Awards, Special Merit Award, Fundraising Website or Microsidte, Elon Day - Elon University - January 2019
- CASE Awards, Grand Award, Alumni Relations Project, Elon Day - Elon University - January 2016
- CASE Awards, Grad Award, CASE INternational Platinum Awards - Best Practices in Fundraising, Elon Day - Elon University - January 2016
- CASE Awards, Grad Award, Recruitment Microsite, "Engaged Learning at Elon" - Elon University - January 2016
- CASE Awards, Grad Award, Total Website Redesign, Elon.edu - Elon University - January 2016
- Aster Awards, Silver Award, Synensys Website, Synensys.com Healthcare Services - Red House Group - January 2014
- Aster Awards, Silver Award, Teleflex Medical Surgical Catalog - Red House Group - January 2014
- STARS Awards, Winner for Excellence, Level Homes, Best Internet Marketing, Advertising or Branding Project for a Home Builder - Red House Group - January 2014
- Aster Awards, Silver Award, Ockham Website Design, Ockham.com Ockham Oncology - Red House Group - January 2013
- Aster Awards, Silver Award, Social Media Category, Ockham Oncology - Red House Group - January 2013
- W3 Awards, Gold Award, Website – Pharmaceuticals, Ockham.com, Ockham Oncology - Red House Group - January 2013
- W3 Awards, Gold Award, Website – Visual Appeal, Ockham.com, Ockham Oncology - Red House Group - January 2013
- W3 Awards, Silver Award, Website Category, Teleflex - SPOT - Red House Group - January 2013
- W3 Awards, Silver Award, Website – Real Estate, LevelHomesLifestyle.com, Level Homes - Red House Group - January 2013
- W3 Awards, Silver Award, Website - Economic Development, GrownInOrangeNC.com, Orange County Economic Development - Red House Group - January 2012
More award information can be found on LinkedIn.