Chris joined the Department of Commerce in spring of 2022 and serves as Grants Manager for the Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI). In this role, she manages all aspects of OSTI grant programs, notably the One NC Small Business Program. This includes making annual solicitation guideline recommendations; intake, review, and processing of grant applications; managing action between grantees and the Division of Fiscal Management; and ensuring program and State compliance. Her experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors provides valuable knowledge and resourcefulness needed to manage and administer grants from the State to private businesses that often collaborate with nonprofit institutions to see their projects to fruition.

Prior to working with the Department of Commerce, Chris served as a Grants Administrator and Grants Manager for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. In addition to administering State and Federal funding programs to all 100 counties across the State, she was as a grant seeker for the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. 

Chris, a Raleigh native, graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Management with a minor in Business Administration. She can be reached at 919-814-4668 and chris.schmidt@commerce.nc.gov.