Kris J. Pierce is…
A Success story in the making….
Kris grew up as a ward of the court from the age of 6, due to severe physical and emotional abuse from his biological parents. When he was finally removed from that situation, he had been subjected to extended periods where he was not provided with food, water, heat or basic sanitation. Before he aged out of the system at 18 years old, Kris had been placed with 14 foster and group home families over the years. During that time of constant movement, Kris learned to be resilient and to focus on how to take his situation and MOVE forward. He had his dreams, and the support and encouragement of a few key people in his life, and worked through his turbulent upbringing by believing and dreaming BIG.
After that, he struggled to find his way in the world…even to the point of having to turn to living in a homeless shelter. But Kris’ upbringing had taught him not to be a victim, but to make more of himself than what his circumstances may have dealt him. He took on a job at the homeless shelter, becoming the food service manager – preparing three meals a day for 60+ men, women, and families in exchange for his bed and a small stipend. He worked his way up the ladder in the food service business and had wonderful experiences moving from sous chef of a local restaurant to regional manager of a major fast-food restaurant chain and also served his country in the United State Army and is currently a member of the Disabled American Veteran’s General Mac Arthur Chapter. And finally found his passion and true calling when he risked everything by going back to school at 28 to complete his Bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University.
Politics, communication and serving his community are passions that he honed into professional skills at college and beyond as built his career as a political consultant and small business owner, as well as serving on several child advocacy boards including The Villages of Indiana, which provides adoptive and foster care services for children in need.
Nebraska brought to Kris what he had search for all his life, a sense of HOME.
In early 2007, Kris and his wife Heather moved to Omaha, Nebraska when he was offered the position of executive director of the Douglas County Democratic Party. The Pierce’s immediately felt at home when they were met by over a dozen strangers just waiting to help them to unload their moving truck. It was the first of many welcome examples of the character and generosity of the people of Nebraska…whom the Pierce’s are proud to count themselves among.
Kris’ life experience has taught him that anyone that has the ability to serve their community should take the responsibility upon themselves to do so. In coming together we bring our different experiences to come to creative solutions and strong benefit to the place we call home.