Aces of Trades: Chris Gray helps companies navigate the HR world
CHILLICOTHE – Growing up, he dreamed of being in the military like his grandfather.
“When I was 18 years old,” said Chris Gray, “I joined the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq twice, in 2006 and in 2008. We worked to train the Iraqi police and army. In 2008, specifically, I was imbedded with the Iraqi police and lived with them during this deployment.”
He also thought about becoming a pastor.
“I do get the opportunity to preach often,” he noted.
There is, however, another interest – human resources. So he started Chillicothe-based HR Medic.
“I love to help organizations solve complex problems around human resources,” Gray explained. “My favorite part of the process is when we are trying to figure out what is going on and a lightbulb goes off and we just know that is the solution, the answer we have been looking for.”
“From deciding why turnover is high,” he added, “to figuring out how to best support employees, HR Medic was established to analyze, identify and provide recommendations to organizations around HR related issues.”
Now 35, Gray grew up in Ridgeway, Virginia and graduated from high school there in 2005. Then he joined the Marine Corps.
“When I left the Marine Corps,” he recalled, “I decided to use my GI Bill and pursue college until I used as much of my GI Bill as I could. I love being around and helping people, so I picked human resources.”
He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rio Grande in 2012, an MBA from Walden University in 2013 and a Ph.D. in management from Sullivan University in 2021.
“When I first left the military,” he said, “I didn’t know I wanted to go into human resources. I did know I really liked being around people and helping those around me. Simply put, I love consulting. For the past 11 years, I’ve helped organizations across the entire VA transform their workforce by identifying the best way to provide support and foster an environment where employees want to come to work. Now I can use these skills locally through HR Medic.”
“Chris will not let anything get in the way of developing HR Medic,” assessed Kendra Scott, a local editor who works with Gray. “He has a purpose with skills and education to make it happen. And he’s one of the most focused people I know.”
“I did serve in the military,” Gray responded, “and I do get the opportunity to preach often. However, I think I’ve found my real calling as a dad.”
“I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I would be where I am today,” he concluded. “I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, amazing friends and a God who loves me dearly.”
For more information, log on www.hrmedic.com.
About the Series
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com or 740-349-1110.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Aces of Trades: Chris Gray helps companies navigate the HR world
