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| BIOGRAPHY | |||
Chris Irish was born in the Cleveland, Ohio area on March 3rd, 1974 to Charles and Gail Irish. His father, Charles Irish, is a fifth generation foundry man. Harry Irish (Charles’s father) served honorably in the Navy during World War II and returned to civilian life were he made a good living as a foundry man. Gail Lamphier, grew up in Winchester Massachusetts. Her father, James Lamphier, served in World War II as a physician and later, after active duty, would be named the general of the "Ancient & Honorable". After he returned to civilian life he continued to practice medicine and became a respected physician in the community. Both his parents attended Heidelberg College where they met. Charles studied vocal performance and Gail the violin. After years of courtship they were married and Charles began teaching at a local school. Two years later Chris was born and in 1976 they moved to Kent, Washington where his father returned to the foundry business. Chris would spend many summers working in the foundry learning the value of hard work moving wet sand with a shovel. College & Starting a Family Following the example of values his family instilled in him, upon graduation Chris deferred his formal education for two years to accept a call to serve a mission for his church. The call was to Houston, Texas where for two years he would work with community members without pay as a councilor, preacher, inner city Scout Master, mover, and community volunteer. Much of his time was spent in the inner city of Houston. Chris remembers fondly many of his experiences in areas like the 5th Ward were he would work with the youth trying to help them achieve their potential. It was here that Chris truly developed a love for children and the difficult circumstances into which some are born. After two years of full time service Chris attended Brigham Young University where he graduated from their nationally ranked Business Program. While attending BYU he received several marks of recognition for his academic performance and at the end of his sophomore year met Jennifer Burnett. She was a history major with an additional focus in English. She had served as a missionary in the Philippines and learned to speak Tagalog fluently. When they met Jenn was working as a teacher to young adults wanting to learn Tagalog. They quickly fell in love and in the end of October 1997 they were married. In the summer of 1999 Chris & Jenn had their first child, Katie, just as Chris finished his Bachelors degree. With a newborn they needed to find work and Chris accepted an offer from Pfizer and they moved to Tucson, Arizona. It didn't take long before Chris continued to find opportunities to serve in the community. Volunteering at a local community clinic working with children. He also served as a scout leader in the area and began volunteering as a counselor for unemployed community members trying to help find work and coach them with interview and resume skills. It was humbling to help others, often much older, try to obtain work. During these years Chris and Jenn were blessed with their second child Abigail. His career continued to develop and in 2003 he was offered a position in Los Angeles. Upon moving to LA they had their third child, Jacob. Once again Chris found ways to get involved participating in functions with the local VA Medical Facility and once again working with youth from less privileged neighborhoods in the scouting program. 2005 brought another opportunity allowing Chris and Jenn to move anywhere they desired. Having experienced many parts of the country Chris and Jenn quickly decided to move to The Woodlands, Texas. They realized that it was a great place to raise their young family. With their children getting older, Chris quickly found opportunities to coach both basketball and soccer. They quickly established a home and currently live in Alden Bridge in The Woodlands. Public Service Having lived in so many different places and experiencing individuals from all walks of life has enhanced Chris Irish's life. Hearing people with different ideas and experiences, Chris learned to listen and consider the many voices that exist. With so much bickering in politics today it's important that we realize adults disagree, but still both sides want what is best for their community. His career as an elected politician has not been long, but his service to the community has been steady. In 2007 Chris was elected to serve as a board member for the Alden Bridge Community and currently sits on the Executive Committee. Jenn, not one to sit on the sidelines, was elected a Vice President of fundraising for Buckalew Elementary PTO. Chris has taken an active roll in participation in The Woodlands determination for self-governance. Not only participating in, but also served as the co-founder of the Family Values Action Committee which held the first pubic debate of those running for the township board of directors. He recently joined the newly formed Young Republicans and enjoys attending when possible. Whether it's children with limited resources or communities with other challenges, Chris not only speaks out he gets involved in issues that will define our future. We have excellent volunteers throughout the school system and on the school board but a fresh approach with a strong conservative backbone can only strengthen our children's education. Chris Believes this is about Our Community and it starts with Our Children. |
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Jennifer
Katie
Abbie
Jacob