Chip Skinner is a Gainesville-based consultant, public utility board director, and youth sports advocate focused on community service and clear communication. He grew up in multiple U.S. towns, developing resilience and adaptability. He earned a BA in English with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of Florida and built a career in public relations, infrastructure consulting, nonprofit development, and strategic communications. He emphasizes honesty and clarity in public engagement and recalls an early on-air media moment with the Florida Department of Transportation. Appointed to the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority board in 2024, he oversees policy, budgets, and planning. He founded Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc. (GALAXI), coaches Eastside High School varsity boys, mentors youth for over a decade, and prioritizes practical time-management and leadership.
Raised in various towns across the US, from the Florida Keys to Chicago, he developed early resilience and adaptability-skills that would later define his professional path. After graduating from the University of Florida with a BA in English and a minor in Secondary Education, Chip pursued a career spanning public relations, infrastructure consulting, nonprofit development, and strategic communications. His approach is rooted in honesty and clarity, qualities sharpened during early roles, including a memorable on-air media moment with the Florida Department of Transportation.
In 2024, he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (GRUA) board, where he helps oversee policy, budgets, and planning for public utility services. He brings a straightforward, community-first mindset to the role. Outside of governance, Chip is the founder of Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc. (GALAXI) and currently coaches the Eastside High School varsity boys' team.
Q: You've had a diverse career-from consulting and nonprofits to public utility work. What started it all? Chip: I think it really started with how I grew up. We didn't have much money early on, but my parents supported my hobbies. I learned to be resourceful and curious. My dad was an entrepreneur-he helped start Twistee Treat in Florida-so I got used to business talk from a young age.
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