A true native of Jacksonville, Chriss Spires was born at St. Vincent's Hospital. During his early childhood he traveled around the world as the son of a military father living in such places as Iceland, The Marshall Islands in the South Pacific and throughout the United States. He graduated from Englewood High School here in Jacksonville and attended Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. Chriss played on its nationally ranked NAIA Division football team and graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Also in the same year, he was inducted as a member of the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity.

Chriss returned to Jacksonville in 1984 to begin his professional career which has included positions in banking, mortgage lending and the financial services industry. He has been responsible for managing sales and support teams in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Kansas and Illinois. In 2008, Chriss expanded his professional career and joined the financial services firm of Montoya and Associates.

Chriss has supported many community and charitable events such as: The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle, Project SOS Annual Comedy Night & Gala, American Lung Association Annual Dinner & Auction, Natural Life Music Festival and has served 10 years as a board member for the Montessori School.

Previously, Chriss has served on many professional boards such as: the Advisory Board of AvMed Health Plans, the Advisory Board of Putnam State Bank, the Board of Directors of Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida, and President of Mortgage Bankers Association of Jacksonville. He is also a former Adjunct Professor at Florida Community College and currently an Advisor of Montoya & Associates Employee Benefits, Series 6, 63 and 215 Life & Health License.

Chriss is active in the community, having been a youth soccer coach with the Ponte Vedra Soccer Club and the YMCA guides program. He is a member of Christ Church and resides in Ponte Vedra with his wife and two teenage children. Chriss strives to make a difference in the lives of others and help those in need.