Christopher K. Gleason, Finance Chairman
Christopher K. Gleason is a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, also home to headquarters of Gleason, Inc. Chris serves as Chief Executive Officer of Gleason Financial Ltd., which specializes in employee benefits, financial planning and investments for both employers and individuals. Chris also serves as President of Gleason Agency, one of the nation’s top independently owned property and casualty insurance brokers.
Chris is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and of the OPM Program at Harvard University Graduate School of Business. In addition, he holds a Masters Degree in History from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Chris started his career in the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, where he gained knowledge and appreciation of government. He joined the family business in 1969 as a third generation owner, learning and succeeding in the property and casualty business. In 1988 he founded Gleason Financial Ltd.
Chris’s interest in government and sense of civic duty has brought him a number of appointments over his career. His service has included:
National Appointments
- National Motor Carrier Advisory Committee – U.S. Department of Transportation – 1988
- Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee – 1990
- Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army – 1990-94
- National Advisory Council for the Small Business Administration – 1990-91
- Amtrak Advisory Group/Amtrak Reform Council – 1998-2003
- Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) – Current Board Member
Pennsylvania State Involvement
- Chairman for the Republican Party of Pennsylvania Finance Committee – Current
- Pennsylvania Aviation Advisory Committee – 1999-2002
- Delegate – Republican National Convention – 1988-1992 and 2008
- Southwestern PA Growth Alliance of Allegheny County – 2002
- University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Board of Visitors – 2003-2007
Local Involvement
- YMCA – Past President
- Cambria County Airport Authority
- Chairman – New Partnership Committee Hiram G. Andrews Center for the Disabled
- Our Mother of Sorrows Parish
- Member of Sports Hall of Fame – Auto Racing
Chris is an auto racing professional, who competes throughout Canada, Europe and currently North America with the Grand America Championship. He has driven several times at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona. Chris has won 15 races and finished on the podium in over 40 events. He and his wife Janet live at Millcreek Valley Farm in Johnstown and have four children, Jennifer, Chris, Meghan and Kevin.