Chris Brida

Director of Career and Technical Education and Pathways (AP/IB), Portland Public Schools

Chris Brida is from Portland, Oregon, and serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education and Pathways (AP/IB) at Portland Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Bryant University, where he was also a Division I track and field athlete, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Bloomington. His research focuses on leveraging external partnerships to strategically position Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the intersection of workforce development, economic mobility, and pathways to higher education. Specifically, he is interested in how culturally specific partnerships impact students’ sense of belonging and how cross-functional teams—including industry, community organizations, and post-secondary institutions—can collaboratively develop scalable, sustainable solutions to shared challenges. Chris chose the University of Kentucky’s Ed.D. program for its strong research emphasis, cohort-based model, and reputation as a flagship institution. One of the most meaningful aspects of the program for him has been the mantra: “I am not alone, faculty have my back, I know what to do next”—a sentiment that has proven true throughout his doctoral journey. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Elle, as well as hiking in the Pacific Northwest with their dog, Pretzel, playing golf, and traveling near and far.