Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson is relatively new to Lancaster County, but is not new to its agricultural landscape. Chris grew up on Maple Spring Farm in Delaware County, Pa. with four generations all living on the farm. He studied crop and nursery management at Pershore College of Horticulture in Worchester, England; biology and business at Slippery Rock University; and finally business administration and project management at Colorado University. 

Chris currently lives with his wife, Kellie, and three children across the Susquehanna River in York County. They are active in their church and community and enjoy everything outside – gardening, hunting, fishing, and kayaking on the river. Prior to his work in conservation, Chris and Kellie owned and operated a retail floral design and landscape business for 15 years. There, he learned the value of engaging people in developing solutions.  

In 2014, Chris joined the Lancaster County Conservation District as District Manager. There, he works under the leadership of a dynamic Board of Directors and oversees a dedicated staff of 36 professionals whose primary mission is to promote the wise use and stewardship of the county’s natural resources. Because the quality of the waters flowing out of the county are one of the best indicators of good farm and land management practices, Chris has worked to mobilize District resources and collaborative partnerships to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to accomplish clean water goals.  

As a founding member of the Clean Water Partners, Chris is very thankful to be connected to such a strong team and to see so many initial goals and objectives for broader community engagement around the topic of clean water being realized.