SkillsUSA Names Christopher Anderson Professional Development Sr. Manager

Jul 10, 2025

Christopher Anderson has been named the new Senior Manager of Professional Development in the Office of Member and Chapter Development at SkillsUSA, the leading workforce development organization for students. Anderson previously served as Chief Operating Officer with SkillsUSA Illinois. Prior to his COO role, he also held the roles of Associate Executive Director and Director, Offices of Education and Conference Management.

In this national role with SkillsUSA, Anderson will lead the development and delivery of professional learning experiences for educators across the country, with a focus on supporting advisors, improving instruction, and aligning with SkillsUSA’s mission, according to the organization. He brings more than 15 years of experience with SkillsUSA, where in a state capacity he oversaw membership and workforce program expansion, statewide educator training, led major events like the state championships, and supported thousands of students and teachers.

Anderson recently participated in the 60th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 24-28 in Atlanta, Ga. The event, dubbed as the nation’s largest showcase of skilled trades, gathered more than 18,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 850 national corporations, trade associations, businesses and labor unions.

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Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.