For those unfamiliar with the remarkable contributions of Chris Lindley, his journey to Eagle County, Colorado, and assuming roles as the chief population health officer for Vail Health and executive director at Eagle Valley Behavioral Health unveils a narrative of unwavering commitment to community wellness.

Amidst the outdoorsy culture of Vail Valley, Lindley emerges as a guiding force, spearheading initiatives that resonate with the fabric of local life. Specifically his endeavors in endurance sports, entrepreneurial pursuits and ground-breaking advancements in behavioral health paint a vivid portrait of a leader dedicated to awakening resilience and vitality in his community.

EMBRACING THE VALLEY’S SPIRIT

For Lindley, the move to Eagle in 2017 marked a pivotal chapter in his life. Relocating with his family to accept the role of public health director for Eagle County Government, Lindley found himself immersed in a community that aligned with his values and aspirations.

“Without question, the move to Eagle County was a great professional and personal move for me,” Lindley reflects. “I have never had more excitement and passion for my work than I do today with Vail Health and everything we are doing in the behavioral health space.”

Prior to his relocation, Lindley was a professional firefighter and EMT with Denver’s Engine One, specializing in swift water and rescue diving. Earlier, he led Colorado’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness division and directed the state’s obesity prevention efforts at the State Health Department from 2003 to 2014. His commitment to service is also evident in his military career, where he earned a Bronze Star and a Presidential Citation for leadership during deployments in Iraq in 2005 and 2006.

Lindley’s current tenure at Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health exemplifies a fusion of professional acumen and personal ethos. His background in public health, coupled with his entrepreneurial endeavors, underscores a holistic approach to population health management — one that transcends conventional paradigms and embraces the intricate interplay between physical, mental and emotional well-being.

ENDURANCE, RESILIENCE + GROWTH

Photos courtesy of Chris Lindley

From conquering an Ironman to embarking on the Leadville Silver Rush 50 — a feat that involves a grueling 50-mile trail run and a 50-mile mountain bike ride, all in a single weekend above 10,000 feet — Lindley’s pursuits encapsulate the essence of a “lifestyle athlete,” one who goes beyond athletic conventions to embrace wellness as a journey, not a destination.

“It’s not the accolades at the finish line that define our success but the resilience and mental fortitude we develop along the way,” he believes. “This mindset has shaped my personal growth and underscored the universal truth that wellness is an inclusive, accessible journey for all.”

His upcoming challenge — a weighted traverse of the TransRockies Trail Run — symbolizes more than a mere test of physical endurance; it embodies a commitment to destigmatizing depression and fostering resilience.

“The TransRockies run is a 120-mile, six-day race across the Rockies. I have completed this race twice before,” he says. “To highlight and normalize feelings of depression, I’m changing the challenge this year, and I’m going to run the race with a weighted vest that weighs 20% of my body weight at the time of the race. This means I will likely be carrying a 40-pound weighted vest. It will be a strength and endurance test, but mostly, it will be a test of the mind.”

By shouldering the symbolic weight of mental health struggles, Lindley seeks to ignite conversations and inspire hope, underscoring the transformative power of community support.

“My fitness journey has had peaks and valleys, with injuries and setbacks, and is ever-changing as I age,” he shares. “Today, my focus at 47 years old is longevity — living a healthy, fully functional life for as long as possible.”

ENDORPHIN: A COMMUNITY HUB FOR WELLNESS

Lindley’s entrepreneurial spirit finds expression in Endorphin, a dynamic fitness chain founded alongside his wife, Corina. Describing Endorphin as more than just a gym, Lindley elucidates its role as a vibrant community hub — a space where movement serves as a conduit for holistic well-being and communal engagement.

“Unlike the prescriptive advice often given by traditional fitness centers or branded studios, which tout specific training regimens or classes as superior, Endorphin champions the act of movement itself, regardless of the form it takes,” Lindley says. “Embracing the idea that ‘movement is our medicine,’ we aim to inspire a shift from harmful habits, such as alcohol dependency, towards the holistic benefits of physical activity.”

A VISION FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Lindley’s overarching vision extends beyond individual achievements, converging with his mission to revolutionize behavioral health in Vail Valley. At Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, Lindley and his team are spearheading a shift that places behavioral health at the core of proactive health care initiatives.

“Every day, we come to work committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure people live emotionally and physically healthy, vibrant, connected lives,” Lindley affirms. “Through normalization, building connection and community and reframing behavioral health, we will have a transformative impact on people’s lives.”

And according to Lindley, they’re doing it in a way that no one has before. “It will be equitable,” he emphasizes.

“Everyone will have equal access to the best-in-class clinicians, providing treatments and programs in best-in-class facilities.”

Lexi Reich
Managing Editor
@lexi_marsha11 | lexireich.com

Originally published in Summer + Fall 2024 issue of Well.