Meet the Mentors: Chrys Peterson

Chrys Peterson is a leadership and communication consultant who helps train and empower leaders at organizations around the world. Learn more about why Chrys is one of the EPIC Toledo 2025 Mentors, below:

After a 30-year broadcasting career, including 20 years as the main anchor at WTOL, Chrys left TV news in 2014 to start her own consulting business helping a variety of local businesses and non-profit organizations. In 2020, Chrys was asked to become a Consulting Partner at Blanchard, one of the world’s top leadership training companies. A six-time Emmy Award recipient and Associated Press Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee, Chrys also teaches people skills in communication, media relations, and personal branding. She is an engaging facilitator with a passion for helping others realize their full leadership capabilities.
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Chrys holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from James Madison University, and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Lourdes University. She actively serves a variety of civic and professional organizations, including NW Ohio Komen for the Cure; Lourdes University Board of Trustees, Sylvania Chamber of Commerce, The Victory Center, 20 Under 40, Hear Aide, Sylvania Schools, Sylvania Area Family Services, and the Toledo Police Foundation. Chrys' professional awards include 6 Emmys, 4 Edward R. Murrow Awards, Women in Communications Awards, the Ohio Associated Press Enterprise Reporting award and the 2005 Public Children Services Association of Ohio Journalist of the Year. Chrys has also been honored by the community with civic awards: Milestones, Toledo Press Club Touchstone and Golden Touchstone, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Hero Award, 20 Under 40, Women of Toledo and the prestigious Jefferson Award. She was 2016 Lourdes University Alumna of the year.

Chrys’ husband Tom Runnells is retired after a 41-year career in major league baseball. Their daughter Riley is the EPIC Toledo Manager at the Toledo Chamber of Commerce.