Chris Heinbaugh Bio

Chris Heinbaugh is Chief Advocacy Officer of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. He joined the Center in 2011 to oversee external affairs after a long career in journalism and politics. Chris created the Center’s arts education program and its community engagement efforts. He also oversees its institutional press, advocacy efforts, and the extensive free and local services the Center provides to local arts organizations. His team produces the innovative Elevator Project which presents small and emerging arts groups on the Center’s stages in the Dallas Arts District. They also manage the Moody Fund for the Arts which provides grants to small and emerging arts organizations. 

Prior to joining the Center, Chris served as chief of staff to Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, advising on policy and political strategy, media engagement, and serving as the point person on education initiatives. 

Before his pivot to politics, Chris had an 18-year career in journalism. In 2000, he moved to Dallas to cover city hall and politics for WFAA-Channel 8, and occasionally writing for The Dallas Morning News. He also worked at TV stations in Seattle, Phoenix, Richmond, El Paso, and Southern California. Chris served on the national board for Investigative Reporters and Editors and was a founding member and first president of the Lone Star Emmy Chapter. During his journalism career, Chris received 13 Emmy Awards, two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, and was named Best Reporter by the Associated Press Broadcasters — in both Texas and Arizona. 

Chris graduated Cum Laude from California State University, Northridge with double Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and journalism. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. 

Chris is Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s appointee to the Visit Dallas Board of Directors. He also serves on the boards for the Klyde Warren Park/Dallas Arts District Public Improvement District, Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition, and Texans for the Arts. He is a member of the Dallas Assembly and on the Fair Park First Legacy Council. He is a former member of the Dallas Arts District Board of Directors. 

Chris is an avid skier, curator of salon dinner parties and world traveler. He also enjoys biking, loves modern sculpture and dance, and is endlessly enthralled with experiencing the diverse cultural community of Dallas. Odd fact: Chris is a direct descendant of Jesse L. Driskill, the Texas cattle baron who built the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin. Chris looks nothing like him.