Chris joined Essex Financial Services in 2018 and has been instrumental in broadening the firm’s client portfolio to include private credit, debt funds, and other third-party originators. As a member of the Senior Management Team, he identifies opportunities and ensures strategic direction aligns with client needs.

Before joining Essex, Chris spent fifteen years at Voya Investment Management, where he oversaw servicing for a $13 billion mortgage portfolio. Prior to that, he held a nine-year tenure at CapMark, managing relationships with CMBS issuers and life insurance companies while overseeing a $20 billion portfolio. He began his career in asset management, working with firms focused on resolving distressed assets held by failed financial institutions.  Chris has led two companies through the process of obtaining servicer ratings and achieving SOX compliance—initiatives that have enhanced Essex’s ability to serve a diverse and evolving client base.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University and remains actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council.

Originally from Thomson, GA, Chris lives in Atlanta with his wife, Christy.  His daughter, Virginia, and son-in-law, Evan, live in the North Carolina mountains. Outside of work, Chris enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, cycling, hiking, strength training, and reading.

To find out more about Essex, contact Chris at Christian.Baggett@EssexFS.com or 678-770-5551.