Instructor Biography

Chris J. Gandia

Captain Christopher J. Gandia (retired), CFP®, is a senior research associate with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research. He retired in 2022 as captain from the Londonderry, New Hampshire, Police Department (LPD). His last position as captain involved an assignment as the division commander for the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Captain Gandia’s career encompassed more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and more than 29 years of financial experience. Interwoven career paths of finance and law enforcement created unique opportunities and experiences for him. Captain Gandia turned to law enforcement in 1996 when he began his career with the LPD as a patrol officer. Before serving as captain, he also served as a sergeant and lieutenant. His career has included various tasks such as fiscal management, budgetary planning, internal auditing, organizational development, strategic planning, departmental training programs, and personnel leadership initiatives. In addition, from 1999 to 2014, he served on the Southern New Hampshire Regional SWAT team. Captain Gandia’s prior experience includes working for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC, as an external auditor and for Zoom Telephonics as a financial analyst. He was a lead instructor for the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition. Captain Gandia earned a bachelor of science degree in accountancy from Providence College, an advanced certificate in financial planning from Merrimack College, and his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2003.