President and COO, The Vernon Company
Chris Vernon is the president and chief operating officer of The Vernon Company. He joined the company in 1987 and has served in his present role since 1999.
A fourth-generation family business founded in 1902, Vernon Co. manufactures and markets promotional products programs designed to help other businesses improve brand awareness, recognize employee service and increase revenues. The company has 30,000 customers, served by 270 account executives throughout North America, as well as 200 administrative/production employees in its Newton, Iowa, headquarters and two sign graphics manufacturing subsidiaries based in Missouri and New Jersey. Vernon works with many renowned brands including Delta Airlines, LinkedIn, Mercedes Benz, and Lancôme.
Chris has been named eight consecutive years to the Counselor Magazine Power 50, the annual ranking recognizing the advertising specialty industry’s most influential leaders. He is the only Iowan ever represented on the industry Power 50 ranking.
Chris received his B.A. from Northwestern University and later his MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern. He has been active in national and community organizations including Progress Industries Foundation, Promotional Products Association International, CEO International, World President’s Organization, YPO – Iowa Chapter and Northwestern Alumni Admissions Council.
Chris is married and has one son, aged 19.