Newspot Nigeria Exclusive: Rooted in Values, Driven by Service: Chris Freeland’s Journey of Ethical Leadership

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By Newspot Nigeria

Indian Wells, California—population just over 5,500—is globally known for its elegance, excellence, and the world-renowned BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament. Yet, at the core of this city’s success story is a humble, purpose-driven leader. City Manager Chris Freeland—recently credentialed by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)—leads with integrity shaped not by titles or religious labels but by enduring values rooted in a faith-centered upbringing. In this special edition, Newspot Nigeria explores how Freeland’s commitment to service, ethics, and people-first leadership continues to inspire—from California to the world.

Newspot: Chris, thank you so much for joining us. Let’s begin with your foundation—how did your faith shape your worldview?

Chris Freeland: Thank you—it’s a real honor to share. I was raised in a household built on Christian values. My mom came from a deeply religious home, with some influence from Christian Science, and my dad was also faith-grounded. We weren’t regular churchgoers, but we were taught to live rightly—be honest, treat people kindly, be of service, and lead by example. Those values have stayed with me. Even now, while I don’t identify with any particular religion or church, I still live by those principles every day. They’ve shaped my leadership far more than any position or title has.

Newspot: That moral consistency clearly defines your public service journey. Was there a pivotal moment early on?

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Chris Freeland: Definitely. When I was in high school at Damien in La Verne, we had to complete 100 hours of community service to graduate. I went to City Hall and met the City Manager at the time, Marty Lomeli, who also went to Damien. After 101 hours, he offered me a paid internship. That experience opened my eyes to local government—not just as a system but as a space where ethics and public service could truly align. I knew then that this was my calling.

Newspot: You’ve now served Indian Wells since 2019 and recently earned your ICMA credential. What does that recognition mean to you?

Chris Freeland: It means a lot. ICMA’s credentialing isn’t just about technical ability—it’s about demonstrating a lifelong commitment to integrity, leadership, and continuous learning. Only about 100 of us in California hold that status. For me, it also reflects how important it is to lead from a place of character. Titles fade, but your reputation for doing the right thing lasts.

Newspot: You and I met back in graduate school—and I still remember something that says a lot about your character. After I won the election to represent our school, you were the very first person to email and congratulate me.

Chris Freeland: I remember that! I admired the way you campaigned—with honesty, humility, and heart. I’ve always believed that when people take a step forward to serve, they should be supported. That moment wasn’t about politics—it was about encouragement. Leadership should never be a competition of egos; it should be a community of encouragers.

Newspot: That act has stayed with me. It reflected your consistency in walking the talk—supporting others, lifting them up.

Chris Freeland: Thank you. That means a lot. That’s how I was raised—to be gracious, even in small things. Public service is full of pressure and visibility, but the real character is shown in the quiet moments, like saying “congratulations” and meaning it.

Newspot: Speaking of character, how do you stay grounded while managing a high-profile city that hosts the BNP Paribas Open?

Chris Freeland: I see my role as stewardship. Indian Wells isn’t mine—it’s entrusted to me. Whether we’re planning large events or building our first public park, I approach it with humility and a sense of duty. That’s why I personally answer every email, return every call, and walk around to connect with our staff. Leadership is about presence, not performance.

Newspot: In 2024, you wrote a letter to the Peabody team emphasizing fairness and transparency in city dealings. It was straightforward and values-led.

Chris Freeland: Yes—it had to be. I believe in consistent, ethical governance. Everyone—residents, developers, and business owners—deserves a process that is clear, fair, and equitable. That’s not just policy—that’s personal. My values don’t stop at the front door of City Hall.

Newspot: You’re completing your Ph.D. as well. How has that deepened your leadership?

Chris Freeland: It’s helped me think more systematically and critically, especially on policy and governance. But at the end of the day, it all comes back to heart. Credentials and degrees are valuable, but they don’t replace kindness, accountability, or integrity. I try to model both.

Newspot: What would you say to young leaders—those who may not belong to a specific religion but want to lead ethically?

Chris Freeland: I’d say your values are your foundation. Whether they come from faith, family, or your life story, own them and live them out. You don’t need to be religious to lead with integrity. You need to be consistent, humble, and courageous enough to do what’s right, especially when it’s not easy.

Newspot: Chris, this has been incredibly meaningful. Thank you for your leadership, your honesty, and your faith in action.

Chris Freeland: Thank you. I truly believe the best leaders serve quietly, act ethically, and always try to leave their communities better than they found them. That’s the path I’ll keep walking.

Credentials Snapshot: Christopher Freeland

• City Manager, Indian Wells (since 2019)

• ICMA Credentialed Manager (2024) – One of just over 100 in California

• 23+ years in local government

• Former City Manager, West Covina

• Academic Degrees:

  • B.A. in Political Science & B.S. in Civil Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona

  • MPA, Cal State Long Beach

  • Ph.D. in Political Science (May 2025, Claremont Graduate University)

• Graduate of UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Program

• Past President, Municipal Management Association of Southern California

To learn more about Indian Wells, visit www.cityofindianwells.org. To explore Chris Freeland’s ICMA credential announcement, visit GPS Business Insider.