Christopher S. “Chris” Bentley, Acting Chief of Communications

In April 2008, Christopher S. “Chris” Bentley became the acting Chief of Communications for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As acting Chief, he leads and coordinates USCIS interaction with employees and stakeholders through community relations, internal communications, media relations and electronically through the Internet. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Bentley worked as USCIS Press Secretary and media relations division chief.  In that position, he was the agency’s senior spokesman and managed all aspects of USCIS’ media relations program.

Mr. Bentley began his federal career in 2000 as the public affairs officer for the Baltimore District of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

A Gulf War veteran, Mr. Bentley graduated summa cum laude from LaSalle University with a Masters in Communication. Before his employment with USCIS and INS, he worked as Communications Coordinator for the Blinded Veterans Association and as a broadcast journalist in the United States Army. Among his various military and civilians awards, he holds the commission of Colonel in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

Chris and Holly, his wife, reside in Maryland with their four children.