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2020 Class of Rising Stars Chris Miller

Chris Miller is a commercial insurance advisor at The Miller Group. The company motto is to help clients do what they do best. “I strive to do that every day in my job. I love to help others, a quality derived from my grandpa, Bob Miller. Being in this position allows me to build relationships with my clients while helping their businesses succeed.”

While Chris continues to serve those he always has, his eyes are open for more opportunities to help those less fortunate. “I am blessed to work in a culture that allows me the time to give back. I am always aiming to be the best version of myself and in my role as a client advisor I have been able to incorporate my passion for helping others. People work and buy from people they like or with whom they have similar values. My clients tend to have the same desire to give back to the community, and that is why we get along.”

He feels blessed to have grown up in a family that has always given freely and generously. “My grandpa and parents always told us that God loves a cheerful giver! Not much makes me happier than hearing stories from those I have helped who are with organizations I support. I learned early on that if you are focusing on serving others and doing the right things for the right reasons, things tend to work out. I have been very blessed, and it is second nature to me to give back to the community and encourage others to do the same.”

Chris is on the board of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and is the chairman of the Future’s Leadership Council. “I want to help provide a brighter future for someone who didn’t have the same resources that I had. This is why I am passionate about giving back. I know I can’t help everyone, but if I know I am changing even one kid’s life trajectory by providing or raising funds for a scholarship through CEF or improving their home life through another organization, then it is all worth it.”

He and his wife also are organizing a group to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City once people are able to gather again. “I have recently focused on giving to organizations like Helping Hands Ministries that provides support to individuals affected by COVID-19. I also support Sheffield Place, Catholic Charities, Saint Paul’s Outreach, Hope Faith Ministries, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bright Futures, and Cornerstones of Care.”

Chris feels very honored to get the recognition for being a Rising Star and appreciates the Catholic Education Foundation for nominating him. “Being a Rising Star is a reflection of the great causes that I support, more so than about me being a star! Supporting those who work day in and day out to make our Kansas City community a better place is the easy part of what I do.”

Also featured in the May 30, 2020 issue of The Independent
Photo credit: Tom Styrkowicz
By Ann Slegman

Ann Slegman

Ann Slegman has thoroughly enjoyed her various positions at The Independent since she started in 2006. She has been the managing editor and editor and is now a contributing writer for the magazine. She and her husband, Tom, are parents of two adult children who live in Brooklyn, David and Kate. Ann enjoys reading, traveling, playing tennis, bridge and Mahjong, watching Netflix shows, and walking her Havanese dog, Morris. She has written a novel, Return to Sender, and a collection of poems, Conversation.

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