Chris Degenaars, born and raised in Dallas, and now based in Los Angeles, leads Global Social Engagement for Giant Group Bicycles, the world's largest bicycle manufacturer, is the Founder & President of AAF Los Angeles, and an Advisor to the Institute for Advertising Ethics.
He's widely recognized for his work with the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the unifying voice for advertising, including as the Founder of Ad 2 SoCal and the 2022-2023 President of AAF Orange County. Chris has been a judge for the American Advertising Awards (ADDYS) from 2019 to 2024, a judge for AAF District 10’s Mosaic Awards in 2022, and a judge for the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) in 2023.
Degenaars is on the board of directors and advisor to various companies, nonprofits, and individuals around the world. Currently, he serves on the Institute for Advertising Ethics (IAE) Advisory Board, the only independent body addressing the urgent and complex issues of ethical standards and practices across all aspects of advertising communications. Previously, Chris served as a board officer for the nonprofit, Trips for Kids National, the largest and oldest youth development bicycling organization in the United States (acquired by League of American Bicyclists in 2023).
Prior to moving to LA, Chris Degenaars was the Director of Operations & Strategy for Long Drive Agency, and recognized as the youngest member to serve on the board of directors for AAF Dallas in its 110+ year history.
\\ don't take life too seriously
\\ if you aren't willing to burn the boats behind you, don't set sail
\\ be willing to be wrong, and admit when you are
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the more you have, the more you should be giving
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expect nothing from anyone, no matter the circumstances
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your last decision, good or bad, does not define you
\\ to know everything is to know nothing: never stop learning
\\ have an open mind about everything
\\ treat others better than how you want to be treated
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default to vulnerability
\\ always care more
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it's okay to not be okay