Christine Chin, director of executive programs at Colorado State University’s College of Business, is one of 11 women who will be honored at the annual BizWest Northern Colorado Women of Distinction breakfast on April 18. Chin was nominated by Laurie Steele, herself a Woman of Distinction honoree, and selected in the Education category.

Chin is responsible for implementing the blended classroom/online executive master’s in business administration degree program and reimagining the college’s executive education professional-development programs. She is also leading the team that’s launching a Global Business Academy summer program for high school students.

I really enjoy creating a learning experience for our students, one that combines theory and practice, so that they can be successful in their chosen roles,” Chin said. “I love hearing how the work we do makes a difference in their careers.”

Education was not Chin’s first chosen career. She spent 20 years in the journalism field, holding leadership positions around the country in marketing, strategy, circulation and human resources, before becoming president and publisher of the Fort Collins Coloradoan. She has also founded her own business consulting company, and, for the College of Business, served as director of strategic initiatives and interim director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship.

“Each area I’ve done work in has been a unique experience and I’ve learned something,” she said. “I’ve valued and treasured every experience I’ve had. Each thing has been a unique challenge, with different solutions and wonderful people.”

Volunteer service

Part of the selection criteria is a willingness to give of oneself for the greater good, and Chin’s volunteer and mentoring work in the Fort Collins community stretches from the Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies to the Poudre School District Foundation, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce to Give Next.