Christopher Bontrager

A rising star in economic development over the past decade, Christopher Bontrager joins the East Montgomery County Improvement District as Vice President of Retail Development.

Bontrager comes to East Montgomery County from Retail Strategies’ Fort Worth office, overseeing retail development for client communities in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. Prior to his work in Fort Worth, he served in several different economic development positions in Alabama, directing business retention and expansion, as well as workforce development with numerous successes.

Christopher believes wholeheartedly in advancing his professional knowledge and skills through dedicated involvement in the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). He previously served on the SEDC board of directors as the Southeast Regional Director and currently represents the state of Texas on the board of directors. In addition to his service to SEDC, Bontrager serves as an ICSC Community Advancement Co-Chair representing Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

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

He is a graduate of Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s in public administration with a minor in military science and a master’s in public administration with a minor in economic development.

Additionally, he is a graduate of the Intensive Economic Development Course at Auburn University and the Honors Economic Development Course from the University of Alabama. Christopher is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma and is currently in pursuit of his CEcD certification as a professional economic developer. Christopher is a licensed real estate professional in the state of Alabama.