Chris DeLong

Chris DeLong has a long history with the Lions men's basketball program beginning when he was recruited from Wapakoneta, Ohio to play basketball at East Texas State University. During his time at East Texas, Chris met his wife, Karol Ann, on a blind date at the Commerce movie theater. Together they have two children, Chaney and Drew.

Chris has stayed connected with the university throughout the years and has given back at every opportunity. When Chris and Karol Ann have time, they like to travel and attend Lions' sporting events from Commerce to other parts of the United States. Several student-impact areas that he and his family have supported include the Lion Champions Fund, College of Business, and the Alumni Association.

After graduation and a successful on-campus interview in the Career Placement office, Chris began his extensive career with PepsiCo. He began as an account representative in Mesquite, Texas, and progressed through the ranks in a variety of sales and management roles which took Chris and his family all over the United States. Toward the end of his career, Chris held the positions of North American Beverages Vice President of Small Format Sales and Grocery Sales, both of which are based at PepsiCo's corporate headquarters in Westchester County, New York. Since retirement from PepsiCo, Chris spends his time as a real estate and alternative asset investor.

Philanthropy

• DeLong Legacy Lobby

Education

• B.B.A., Marketing, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 1985

Experience

• Company Owner, Bois D'Arc IOZ Investments, 2018-Present
• School of Business Leadership Council, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2019-Present
• Board Member-Lion Champions Circle, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018-Present
• Vice-President of North American Sales, PepsiCo, 1985-2018