Leadership Consultant
Office Phone
+1 616.956.3410
Cell Phone
+1 210.913.8168
Email Address
chopkins@ponderaadvisors.com
Professional Experience
Craig is a senior executive and leadership advisor with more than 30 years of experience leading enterprise strategy, technology, and large-scale transformation across both public and private sectors. A former USAA C-suite executive, he served as Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, and Senior Vice President of IT Strategy and Shared Services, and most recently Chief Information Officer for the City of San Antonio, Texas. He has advised CEOs and boards while leading organizations through complexity to deliver results at scale.
Leadership & Consulting Experience
In addition to his executive roles, Craig has served as a Moderator and Coach, where he helps C-suite leaders accelerate their growth through peer-based learning, executive coaching, and real-time problem solving. Craig is widely respected for translating complex strategy into disciplined execution, aligning diverse stakeholders, and building high-performing teams rooted in trust, accountability, and shared purpose. His leadership philosophy, “People First. Mission Always,” emphasizes service, clarity, and results. A U.S. Coast Guard veteran with both shipboard and small boat experience, he served in operational, law enforcement, and emergency response roles.
Education
Craig earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University. He also completed executive education in Leading Change and Organizational Renewal at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
Personal Information
Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Craig met his wife Patty in Michigan and have been married for more than 39 years. They raised their children, Jake, Grace, and Zachary, in San Antonio, Texas, for the last 28 years, and now reside in St. Joseph, Michigan. Craig is deeply committed to community and nonprofit service and has served in numerous board and leadership roles focused on homelessness, education, and faith-based organizations.
