Christopher Chin, PhD
VP, Operations and Organizational Development
“Doc” aka “Juicy”
Our Staff

Chris joined the Robins team in 2014 and recently transitioned from Director, Community Partnerships to VP of Operations and Organizational Development. Robins Foundation provided Chris with his first opportunity to work within the philanthropic sector, and his path and journey to philanthropy reflect his increasing passion and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of as many children and families as possible. Prior to his role at Robins, Chris was Co-Director of the Literacy Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University and Director of the Virginia Literacy Foundation, where he developed and oversaw state-wide initiatives and community-based programs focused on early childhood education, language and literacy development, and family literacy. As a licensed clinical psychologist with specializations in neuropsychology and child psychology, Chris has also provided clinical services and training/supervision in both hospital and community-based mental health settings. He currently serves on Virginia’s School Readiness Committee, created by the General Assembly in 2016, and is also a Board member of Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond. Chris is originally from the DC area and has lived in the Richmond area for 16 years. Chris and his wife have three children, two boys and a girl. Chris enjoys playing and coaching soccer and volleyball, camping and watching movies with his family, and hanging with the Tribe.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a dentist – I was a big fan of Herbie the Elf!! Coincidentally, my wife has been in the dental field for over 30 years. So, I get to live my childhood dream vicariously through her.
What is your favorite thing/place/activity/meal in Richmond?
Belle Isle is my favorite destination in RVA – great for biking with the family and getting up close to the river.
What is your biggest fear or pet peeve?
I have somewhat of a bird phobia – some bad experiences on Clearwater Beach (involving seagulls and a slice of cheese pizza) and in Atlanta with blue jays in the woods.
What is your favorite cereal?
No longer eat cereal since doing the Whole30 diet with my wife and the Robins team! Now I alternate two different things for breakfast: veggie omelets with bacon and almond-butter banana-cocoa smoothies with flaxseed.
Finally, what is the thing you love most about working at Robins?
I love the family feel of the Robins team/tribe and the privilege of serving the Richmond community – to make RVA a thriving city for ALL of its residents and families. “Coffee” in the afternoon can also be a bonus on occasion!!