Chris Van Liew is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives for Seattle University. A long-term Pacific Northwest resident and Oregon State University graduate, Chris previously served as the Chief Information Officer for Seattle University, as well as the Chief Information Officer for Weyerhaeuser Company after more than two decades of varied technology, strategy and leadership roles. Reporting to Seattle University's President, Chris is responsible for guiding institutional strategic planning and implementation.

Chris has a passion for growing people and building communities of practice who can deliver upon a shared vision. In Chris’ prior positions, the focus has at times included technology excellence, employee safety, organizational growth, financial optimization, front-line leadership development, organizational risk management, and hospital system patient safety. Chris is currently pouring his energy into the implementation of Seattle University’s strategic plan, A Jesuit University for a Time of Change: Reigniting Our Strategic Directions, 2022-2027. This exciting and comprehensive vision for the future of Seattle University will position the institution as one to be emulated in pedagogy, academic excellence, student experience, inclusive excellence, professional formation, and financial results.

Chris and his wife, Deborah, who teaches grades K-12 in the Puyallup School District, have four children, two of whom attend Seattle University. In Chris’ spare time, he spends time with family, is an avid consumer of audiobooks, enjoys “tractor therapy” while tending to his family’s property, and occasionally engages in fits of remodeling.