Chris Turner
A Rugby Development Leader Who Understands Both Grassroots/player Realities And Organizational Systems.
Denver,CO
Summary
MBA-trained business and rugby development professional with experience across USA Rugby operations, international academy environments, coaching, and athlete development. Former player, coach, and academy manager with firsthand experience in both American and New Zealand rugby systems, combining high-performance rugby knowledge with strong operational leadership, strategic planning, and relationship-management capabilities. Passionate about building sustainable player pathways, developing talent, and creating high-performance environments that elevate athletes and teams long-term.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Healthcare Operations Technician
Colorado Retina Associates
Denver, CO
04.2024 - Current
- Partner with leadership to surface workflow gaps and recommend process improvements.
- Maintain high-accuracy records supporting compliance, reporting, and operational continuity.
- Document real attachable clinical workflows and identify inefficiencies impacting scheduling and care coordination.
- Act as a communication bridge across patients, clinicians, and administrative teams to keep multi-step processes moving.
- Translate complex medical and operational information into structured documentation supporting downstream decision-making.
Business Operations Analyst
Divvy Homes
10.2020 - 03.2024
- Analyzed financial data, tracked key performance metrics, and developed insights to optimize budgeting, forecasting, and investment strategies.
- Owned cross-market operational tracking and forecasting; translated complex data into actionable insights that informed leadership decisions.
- Built financial and operational models that facilitated strategic planning, investment prioritization, and improved performance visibility.
- Coordinated across teams to align execution, ensure accurate handoffs, and maintain momentum on multi-step initiatives.
- Presented findings to senior stakeholders, reinforcing clarity, credibility, and trust in high-stakes discussions.
Rugby Coach
Jesuit High School, Bay of Plenty, Regis University, CU Boulder
01.2015 - 08.2023
- Gained extensive coaching experience over eight years in diverse environments.
- Coached athletes in developmental and competitive environments, emphasizing technical growth and fostering accountability and performance mindset.
- Developed players in structured academy-style systems based on international high-performance standards.
- Cultivated strong relationships with athletes while upholding rigorous developmental standards.
- Emphasized long-term athlete growth, leadership habits, and cultural accountability.
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
USA Rugby
Denver, CO
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Enhanced organization’s visibility and engagement through branding, media relations, and promotional efforts.
- Led multiple digital marketing campaigns, including copyright, CRM, SEO/SEM, and graphic design, while producing, editing, and starring in 2 podcasts.
- Managed 6 separate social media accounts with over 400k followers in total.
- Produced unique photography, video, and copy media campaigns for 1,700+ youth, collegiate, and amateur rugby clubs around the USA.
- Curated live international sporting event content and managed all media personnel within Olympic and World Rugby Organizational tournaments and matches.
- Led digital initiatives, including CRM, email, and content strategies to improve awareness and response.
Account Executive
REVEL Marketing
Denver, CO
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Managed client relationships, developed sponsorship strategies, and secured brand partnerships. Coordinated campaign execution, negotiated sponsorship deals, and oversaw activation plans to enhance brand exposure and client engagement.
- Gained trusted-advisor status with every client by delivering unmatched value and excellent customer service, while boosting client retention and satisfaction by 75% YOY.
- Developed sponsorship strategies and negotiated partnership agreements to drive mutual value creation.
- Crafted sponsorship strategies and negotiated partnership agreements to foster mutual value.
- Directed campaign execution from planning through delivery, ensuring accountability and sustained momentum.
Academy Assistant Manager
Inside Running Rugby Academy
01.2017 - 06.2017
- Managed academy operations and athlete support functions, helping oversee the day-to-day experience of international players within a high-performance environment.
- Participated in on-field coaching, player development, and talent evaluation during trainings and competitive matches.
- Assisted with academy recruitment and international outreach efforts by promoting player development opportunities and academy success stories.
- Led digital communications and content strategy, producing multi-platform media that enhanced visibility, engagement, and brand growth.
- Helped foster a professional, accountable, and development-focused culture for athletes pursuing higher levels of competition.
Bay of Plenty U20 Team Manager
Bay of Plenty Rugby Club
04.2017 - 05.2017
- Appointed as team manager for the U20 Bay of Plenty squad during its competitive tour against the U20 Manu Samoa national team.
- Coordinated travel, lodging, and nutrition logistics for athletes and coaching staff, facilitating seamless operations during international competition week.
- Managed equipment and jersey logistics, ensuring kit preparation met match standards and contributed to athlete readiness.
- Liaised between players, coaches, and local host government, ensuring effective communication and smooth operations throughout the tour.
Semi-Professional Rugby Player
Rangataua Rugby Football Club
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Competed at the premier level in New Zealand’s regional rugby system, training and playing among elite
athletes in a high-performance environment. - Recruited to join the Rangataua RFC Premier Team, competing in one of New Zealand’s most competitive
regional rugby leagues. - Immersed in advanced training methodologies and team culture rooted in Māori values, discipline, and
high performance. - Gained firsthand international perspective on player development, performance standards, and cultural
influence within sport.
Owner/Operator
Next Phase Rugby
06.2013 - 12.2014
- Founded and operated a private rugby academy focused on athletic performance, mentorship, and collegiate
recruitment for youth athletes. - Designed and led a comprehensive development program covering rugby skills, strength & conditioning,
nutrition, and mindset coaching. - Successfully partnered with 22 colleges and universities nationwide to support athlete recruitment and
scholarship opportunities. - Managed program cycles of 12 student-athletes per session, maintaining full enrollment and delivering
personalized training and mentorship. - Oversaw all business operations including client acquisition, curriculum design, budgeting, scheduling, and
marketing. - Established a reputation for integrity, results, and long-term athlete success beyond the field.
Education
Master's - Business Administration Management
California Coast University
Denver, CO03-2025
Bachelor's - Cultural Anthropology
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2013
Skills
- High Performance Player Development
- Rugby Pathway Systems & Talent Identification
- Academy Operations & Program Leadership
- National Camp & Competition Management
- Coach & Athlete Development
- Strategic Planning & Systems Implementation
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- High Performance Culture Building
- Talent Evaluation & Performance Tracking
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication
- Operational Planning in Resource-Constrained Environments
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Performance Analysis
Accomplishments
- 2008: Co-MVP and National Champion at Jesuit High School
- 2008-2013: Four-year collegiate starter and two-year captain at California State University, Sacramento RFC
- 2013-2014: Founder and director of a California-based rugby development academy, Next Phase Rugby
- 2015: Semi-Professional Player in Bay of Plenty Men's Senior Club level in New Zealand
Timeline
Healthcare Operations Technician
Colorado Retina Associates
04.2024 - Current
Business Operations Analyst
Divvy Homes
10.2020 - 03.2024
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
USA Rugby
08.2019 - 04.2020
Bay of Plenty U20 Team Manager
Bay of Plenty Rugby Club
04.2017 - 05.2017
Academy Assistant Manager
Inside Running Rugby Academy
01.2017 - 06.2017
Account Executive
REVEL Marketing
08.2016 - 08.2019
Rugby Coach
Jesuit High School, Bay of Plenty, Regis University, CU Boulder
01.2015 - 08.2023
Semi-Professional Rugby Player
Rangataua Rugby Football Club
01.2015 - 06.2015
Owner/Operator
Next Phase Rugby
06.2013 - 12.2014
Master's - Business Administration Management
California Coast University
Bachelor's - Cultural Anthropology
California State University, Sacramento