Chris Nation
Vice President, Digital
Chris Nation is the Vice President of Digital at RunSwitch PR with more than ten years of experience implementing advertising, brand development, public relations and digital campaigns for clients.
Chris leads the award-winning digital division at RunSwitch which focuses on using digital strategy and emerging technologies to amplify public affairs and public relations efforts for clients.
Background
Recognized for his work in the digital space, Chris was invited to join the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), Interactive Media Council, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Since 2012, he has judged some of the most impressive digital work both nationally and internationally as a judge for The Webby Awards, Horizon Interactive Awards, The Communicator Awards, W3 Awards, and Davey Awards.
He has put his skills to work for high-profile clients such as: Tampico Beverages, General Motors, Conagra Foods, First Watch Restaurants, Mellow Mushroom, General Electric, Rafferty’s, Western Kentucky University, Junior Achievement, Louisville Metro Government, Churchill Downs and The Melting Pot.
Chris has held academic posts at Western Kentucky University and Lindsey Wilson College as an instructor teaching Communication and Public Speaking courses. He regularly gives presentations and workshops on social media and digital strategy.
He is an active community volunteer currently serving as the President-Elect of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Bluegrass Chapter. Chris previously served as Chairman and President of the American Advertising Federation of Louisville, President of the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) and Ambassador to U.S. Representative John Yarmuth for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Chris is a graduate of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023, Leadership Louisville Class of 2019, Ignite Louisville Class of 2016, Focus Louisville Class of 2013 and Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2012. He was awarded the “Hot 10” Award in 2015 and the Five Star Member Service Award in 2018 by the American Advertising Federation of Louisville, recognized in 2017 by Insider Louisville as one of the “Top 100 Marketing & Advertising Influencers in Louisville,” and is a 2017 recipient of Louisville Business First’s Forty Under 40.
He was honored by PRNEWS as one of the 2024 People of the Year in the digital PR category and as 20 People to Know in Advertising, PR and Marketing by Louisville Business First.
Education
MA in Communication – Western Kentucky University
BA in English – Western Kentucky University
Experience
- Vice President of Digital, RunSwitch PR (2018 – present)
- Director of Client Services, Quantum Communications (2013 – 2017)
- Account Director, Hitcents (2011 – 2013)
- Account Manager, Hitcents (2010 – 2011)
- Adjunct Instructor, Lindsey Wilson College (2010)
- Instructor, Western Kentucky University (2009 – 2011)
- Account Executive, Imagewest (2009 – 2010)
- Account, Media & PR Intern, Doe-Anderson (2009)
Civic Involvement
- President-Elect, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Bluegrass)
- Former Board Member, Volunteers of America Mid-States
- Past President, American Advertising Federation of Louisville
- Ambassador to U.S. Representative John Yarmuth, Alzheimer’s Association
- Former Board Member, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana
- Community Impact Cabinet, Metro United Way
- Past President, Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL)
- Former Board Member, Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI)
- Former Board Member, Leadership Louisville Center
- Former Board Member, Louisville Downtown Development Corporation
- Former Board Member, Community Winterhelp, Inc.
