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Whistles and Wisdom: Lessons on Life and Leadership from an SEC Football Official

September 3, 2026 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CDT)

Description

Join us on Wednesday, September 3, at the Opelika Chamber for a Lunch & Learn designed for business owners, managers, supervisors, and community leaders looking to strengthen their leadership skills.

Drawing from more than two decades as an SEC football official and corporate sales leader, Chris Garner, author of Whistles and Wisdom, will share practical leadership lessons learned from making split-second decisions in high-pressure environments. Through real stories from the football field, Chris explores four leadership styles—Transactional, Transformational, Servant, and the outdated “Great Man” approach—and explains when each is most effective, when it falls short, and how great leaders adapt their style to meet the moment.

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for leading teams with confidence, communicating more effectively, and making better decisions under pressure. Whether you lead a small team or an entire organization, this session will provide practical tools you can put to work immediately.

About Chris Garner

Chris Garner brings a unique perspective to leadership, combining more than 25 years of corporate leadership experience with over two decades officiating college football at the highest level, including the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His dual career has given him firsthand experience making critical decisions under pressure, building trust in demanding environments, and leading teams through high-stakes situations. Today, Chris helps leaders develop the confidence, adaptability, and communication skills needed to succeed in business and beyond.


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Contact Information

Opelika Chamber
Name: Saffron Koppelmann
Phone: 7868159660
Email: saffron@opelikachamber.com
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