Community Leadership Insights from Dr. Chris Brussalis, LP XIII – Point Park University
— Dr. Chris Brussalis, LP XIII – Point Park University“I have always been driven to leadership roles since I was young. I tend to have an optimistic outlook on life. I am motivated to strive to make good things even better.”
Follow the #LPIncVoices campaign on LinkedIn and Instagram to learn how Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. Alumni are making an impact in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Name: Chris Brussalis
Focus: Civic Leadership, Regional Economic Development, and Higher Education
Favorite Thing About the Region: Most livable city in America!
Q: What has been your proudest moment as a civic leader?
A: Becoming the ninth president of Point Park University. Being the president of the downtown University provides a unique opportunity to grow an outstanding University, all while positioning Point Park to be a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh following the global pandemic. It is my belief that downtowns will transform, driven by the creator economy, to become centers of arts, entertainment, and recreation. This falls into the sweet spot of Point Park University with its vision of becoming one of the most dynamic, urban universities in America.
— Dr. Chris Brussalis, LP XIII“I believe that the biggest reward in life is having the opportunity to impact someone’s life, trying to elevate others.”
Q: Why do you care deeply about the success of this region?
A: My paternal grandfather was a Greek immigrant who arrived on Ellis Island with nothing and created the American Dream in Pittsburgh. My maternal family lineage dates back to the American Revolution in this region. The Pittsburgh Region was the birthplace of my heritage and the launching point of opportunity for my family.
— Dr. Chris Brussalis, LP XIII“Going through Leadership Pittsburgh, Class XIII, was probably one of the most transformational experiences of my professional career. Even though I grew up in this region, only moving away for college and graduate school, Leadership Pittsburgh provided an introduction and exposure to many elements of the region that were unknown to me.”
Q: Have you always been a leader or drawn to leadership roles? If no, what has changed? If yes, what has driven you to stay involved as a leader?
A: I have always been driven to leadership roles since I was young. I tend to have an optimistic outlook on life. I am motivated to strive to make good things even better. I believe that the biggest reward in life is having the opportunity to impact someone’s life and trying to elevate others. I had an opportunity to improve organizations and regions throughout my career as the leader of a national management consulting firm and civic leader. I have a unique opportunity to continue this work as a university president.
Q: What identities or lived experiences have shaped who you are as a leader? How do these influence your leadership goals and leadership style?
A: Going through Leadership Pittsburgh, Class XIII, was probably one of the most transformational experiences of my professional career. Even though I grew up in this region, only moving away for college and graduate school, Leadership Pittsburgh provided an introduction and exposure to many elements of the region that were unknown to me. The program enabled me to become a better-connected leader who is knowledgeable of many more dimensions and resources of the region.
Learn more about Dr. Chris Brussalis at https://www.pointpark.edu/about/universityleadership/index#president
Connect with Chris Brussalis at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbrussalis
