Chris Thomas is a partner at Childress Klein, one of the largest, privately owned full service real estate firms in the Southeast, where he is responsible for the retail development, marketing, and leasing practice. He has extensive experience in site selection, development, and structuring and negotiating transactions. His work at CK has included playing a leading role with his partners in developing such projects such as RiverGate, Afton Ridge, Charlotte Premium Outlets, Waverly, Apex SouthPark, and The Concourse. Prior to joining Childress Klein in 1998, he served as Vice President of Real Estate at Belk.
Thomas is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and the Kenan-Flagler Business School, where he is a longtime member of the Alumni Council. He is a past board member and current trustee of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, serving in the same capacity at the Presbyterian Home of Charlotte (Sharon Towers). Thomas is a founder and current board chair of SouthPark Community Partners, where he and other alumni and supporters of Olympic High School, founded the Olympic High School Foundation. Additionally, Thomas volunteers for, and serves on the boards, of the Catawba Lands Conservancy and TreesCharlotte.
Thomas’ involvement at REBIC began during his time on the NAIOP Charlotte board, where he served as President and continues to be involved in advocacy and governmental affairs work. Some of his more significant work in this regard has included the successful repeal of the zoning protest petition in North Carolina as well as efforts related to the LLC franchise tax. Since 1984 he has volunteered in various capacities as a member of ICSC. Thomas has enjoyed extensive involvement across several industry organizations over the years as a frequent speaker and panelist. He is married to Dr. Jane Boyd Thomas, and they enjoy time and travel with their two adult children and extended family and friends.