Chris Bell, Town Manager of Damascus, VA, combines a strong technical background with a dedication to community service and business leadership. A native of Northern California, Chris’s interest in music, science, and technology led him to a degree in Acoustic Engineering from the University of Hartford. He began his career in the early 1990s in Atlanta, GA, designing and installing sound systems for local churches and houses of worship.
Chris broadened his expertise to encompass video and control systems, creating innovative technology solutions for major clients like Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1998, he established his own company, providing audio-visual integration services to corporations, universities, and government entities for more than 20 years.
In early 2024, Chris retired from the industry and moved with his wife to Damascus, VA, to be closer to their son at Virginia Tech. Driven by a desire to contribute to his new hometown, he became Town Manager just two months before Hurricane Helene struck. This unexpected challenge has undoubtedly been a “baptism by fire” (or more specifically by flood), testing his leadership and resilience while showcasing his commitment to the town’s recovery.
