2022 40 Under 40: Cris Swaters

Since January, Cris Swaters, 34, has been the voice of the Springfield Police Department as its public affairs officer. Before that, she spent six years as social media specialist with City Utilities of Springfield.

“I believe that the continued success of City Utilities’ online social community is clear evidence of the value my leadership and expertise bring to the industry and the Springfield community,” she says.

Swaters, who also teaches public relations at the college level, credits the mentorship of teachers and professors for launching her career.

“As a student, my teachers and professors poured their expertise and experience into me in meaningful ways that continue to impact my career today,” she says. “I also wanted to give that same experience to students.”

Proudest moment? Myself, my husband and our friends were featured on Buzzfeed in 2014 for our “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” group costume. We got second place in a local costume contest. We insist to this day that we were robbed of the title.

Favorite TV show/podcast/book? As a self-proclaimed Leslie Knope, one of my favorite TV shows is “Parks and Recreation.” I’m also a true-crime lover who religiously listens to the podcast, Crime Junkie. Like every other millennial, I’m a die-hard Potter head and the entire “Harry Potter” series of books (and movies) helped shape who I am.

Favorite local order? Miso caramel latte from Eurasia Coffee Co.