Chris Rettich, B.B.A.’14

Caring Captain

Senior Development Manager, American Cancer Society

Chris Rettich is a man on a mission. As a senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, he’s leading the effort in Metro Detroit to end cancer as we know it. In his eight years with health nonprofits, Rettich has successfully doubled the revenue of a fundraising campaign, launched an executive ambassador program and created strategic plans for long-term growth. Rettich envisions a future where health inequities are eliminated and is proud to apply his WMU business education to make this vision a reality.

Currently, Rettich is working to grow the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement in Detroit, with plans to raise $1.5 million annually to fund life-saving research and patient programs by 2026. With a focus on health equity, he’s building relationships to ensure the campaign reflects the diversity of the city and its surrounding communities.

Rettich’s time at WMU shaped him into the manager he is today. Taking courses that helped him to build his confidence, Rettich was able to succeed in sales right after graduation. Now when faced with intimidating tasks such as cold calls or pitching ideas, he draws on this learned confidence to reach beyond his desired result and achieve it.

Favorite Quote:

“Figure out what you love to do, then figure out how to get paid to do it.” — Nick Offerman