EMCID ROLE
Christopher Bontrager serves as Vice President of Retail Development for the East Montgomery County Improvement District, where he leads efforts to attract and support retail growth that strengthens and expands the district’s local economy.

Prior to joining EMCID, Christopher founded and managed, Retail Strategies’ Fort Worth office, where he oversaw retail development for client communities across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Prior to Retail Strategies, he held several economic development positions in Alabama, including being the Executive Director of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority, and Vice President of the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Christopher is a veteran, having served in the United States Army as an enlisted soldier and later as a commissioned officer. He is a recipient of multiple military decorations, and in 2020, was named by the Birmingham Business Journal to its annual Veterans of Influence award.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION / RECOGNITION

• Board of Directors, Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) — previously Southeast Regional Director; currently represents Texas
• Member, International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
• Community Advancement Chair (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• ICSC Next Gen Leadership Network Class of 2026
• Currently pursuing CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) certification
• Licensed real estate professional, State of Alabama
• PCED Designation
• MEDP Designation

EDUCATION
Christopher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration (minor in Military Science) and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (minor in Economic Development), both from Auburn University. He is also a graduate of the Intensive Economic Development Course at Auburn University, the Honors Economic Development Course from the University of Alabama, The Community Development Institute (PCED), the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program (MEPD) and the Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma. Christopher is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Land and Property Development from Texas A&M University.