Chris Noth

If there’s one thing Chris Noth loves, it’s connecting people to opportunities—especially young people stepping into the professional world for the first time. As the YouthWorks Director at Project Iowa, Chris is on a mission to bridge the gap between high school students and meaningful, mentor-guided internships. He firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance to earn a living wage and find fulfillment in their work—because, let’s face it, there’s no “American Dream” if only some people get to live it.

Chris brings a unique mix of teaching, coaching, strategy, and program development to his role, making him a powerful advocate for Iowa’s youth. With a Bachelor’s degree in History from DePaul University and a Master’s in Teaching from Dominican University, he knows a thing or two about education—and even more about the real-world skills that make the difference between just having a job and launching a career. His passion? Using his network and expertise to build better futures for young people. 

But Chris isn’t just all about work—he’s a guy of many talents. When he’s not helping students land internships and grow into confident professionals, you might find him working out, taking long walks, diving into historical books and documentaries, or roughhousing with his dog. (The dog is definitely winning, by the way.) And let’s not forget his musical side—Chris plays piano and bass and is currently in the process of starting a new band. So, if you ever need a YouthWorks Director and a bassist for your next gig, you know who to call.

Ask Chris what he loves most about Project Iowa, and he won’t hesitate: the mission and the people. He’s proud to be a champion for YouthWorks in the community because he believes in its importance deep in his soul. Whether he’s brainstorming solutions, mentoring students, or connecting with people across generations, he thrives in an environment that is collaborative, intellectual, and, at times, maybe a little too fun (his words, not ours!).

Chris’s role isn’t just about helping students find jobs—it’s about helping them find their place in the world. He knows that when one person succeeds, the entire community benefits, and that’s what fuels his passion every day. So, whether he’s crafting new internship opportunities, advocating for workforce development, or jamming on his bass guitar, one thing’s for sure—Chris is always working toward a brighter future for Iowa’s youth.

Oh, and if you haven’t met him yet? He’s always looking to connect with new people—so don’t be a stranger!