Chris Gehler was named Senior Vice President and a member of Bell’s Executive Leadership Team in June 2023. He joined Bell in August of 2012.
In his current role, Chris is responsible for the design, development, build, and test of the Bell 360 Invictus for the United States Army’s Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft program as a part of the Army’s Future Vertical Lift Modernization Strategy. Previously, Chris was the Vice President and Program Director for the Bell Boeing V-22 Program. While at Bell he has also held positions as Program Director, Bell V-280 Advanced Tiltrotor Systems; Director, Global Business Development, Advanced Tiltrotor Systems; and Director, Military Program Operations.
Prior to joining Bell, he served our nation on active duty in the United States Army. In his last assignment, he served as deputy director J3, operations, United States Southern Command in Miami, Florida. Prior to that, he served in senior command and staff positions including the 2D Infantry Division chief of staff, deputy director J5 for strategy, policy and plans for United States Forces Korea, and multiple combat aviation commands. He has served around the world with multiple overseas assignments and combat tours.
Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He earned master’s degrees in public administration from Golden Gate University; strategic studies from the United States Army War College; and operational systems from the School of Advanced Military Studies at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. Chris is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School’s Advanced Finance Program. He also completed Textron’s Senior Executive Leadership Program at Duke University.
Chris’ military awards include Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device, in addition to other awards and citations. His badges include Master Army Aviator Badge, Korean Master Army Aviator Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with bronze service star, German and Ecuadorian Parachutist badges.
When not traveling to work with customers, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Denise, sons Madison and Max, and daughter Zoë.