ERC would like to announce the retirement of Chris Kutsko, Vice President of Strategic Accounts. Chris’ remarkable career has been instrumental in helping to shape ERC’s growth, client relationships, and training services for more than 20 years.
Chris officially joined ERC in 2005, but her impact began long before her first day. At the time, she was leading her own successful consulting and training business, The Capstone Group, which she had built alongside her business partners. Known throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond for delivering customized training and development solutions, Chris had already established a strong reputation in the industry. Her passion for the work was evident in the way she spoke about her career: “That’s what I know and that’s what I love. That’s what my master’s degree is in. It’s just in my blood and I love it.”
When former ERC President Pat Perry approached Chris about bringing her business expertise to ERC, it marked the beginning of a transformational chapter for both Chris and the organization. ERC’s training services were ready for a new vision, and Chris was the leader to make it happen.
She came on board with a mission to build strategy and scalable growth into ERC’s training business. Chris helped redesign the way training services were delivered, from creating consistent course materials and proposal processes to implementing systems for billing, client services, and trainer management. What began as an opportunity to strengthen one business line soon became a foundation for long-term organizational success at ERC.
Over the years, Chris’s role continued to evolve alongside ERC. She led Learning and Development efforts, supported national client growth, strengthened partnerships, and eventually stepped into her current role overseeing sales growth across all ERC business lines, including membership, engagement, consulting, and professional development.
Kelly Keefe, President and CEO of ERC, shared, “Chris has been such an important part of ERC’s story for more than two decades, and it’s hard to fully capture the impact she’s had on our organization and the people within it. She leads with both heart and purpose, and her ability to build genuine relationships and help others succeed has shaped who we are today. Chris has been not only an exceptional leader, but also a trusted mentor, colleague, and friend to so many of us. We are incredibly grateful for all she has given to ERC, and while she will be deeply missed, we couldn’t be happier for her as she begins this next chapter.”
Throughout her career, Chris has been known for her ability to listen carefully, identify client needs, and build solutions that truly fit. Her more than 35 years of experience in talent development and organizational growth made her a trusted advisor to countless leaders and organizations across the region and beyond.
Before joining ERC, Chris held leadership and training roles with organizations including The Marcus Corporation, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas Heart Institute, St. Luke’s Hospital, and The University of Texas Health Science Center. She also served on the faculty at The College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University in Minnesota, where she taught management and human resources courses.
Yet those who know Chris best would say her greatest strength has always been people. When speaking about Chris, one will often hear the phrase, “I learned so much from her”. Whether mentoring colleagues, encouraging trainers, or helping clients solve complex challenges, she brought warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. Outside of work, Chris enjoys golfing, singing in her church choir, playing piano, baking, and volunteering in her community. Chris lives in Novelty with her husband, Pete, and together they share a family of six adult children and 10 grandchildren with another one on the way, with whom she looks forward to spending even more cherished time in retirement.
As Chris begins this well-earned next chapter, we celebrate not only an accomplished career, but the lasting legacy she leaves at ERC. Her leadership, expertise, and heart have touched every corner of the organization, and she will be deeply missed. Please join us in congratulating Chris Kutsko on her retirement and thanking her for 21 incredible years of service to ERC.
