Chris Hockenberry

“Chris’ penchant for innovative solutions prompted his move into the start-up arean, a decision he has never regretted.”
Chris Hockenberry is an accomplished technologist and corporate leader with over 35 years of experience in the tech industry. He discovered his passion for programming at the age of 12, honing his skills in C++ programming while working at his father’s telecom company, which was later acquired by MCI.

Transitioning into the video game industry, Chris joined Ensemble Studios where he contributed significantly to the development of renowned series such as Age of Empires, Age of Mythology, and Halo Wars. His career continued to flourish at Microsoft Game Studios, where he worked on numerous successful titles including Forza Motorsport, Project Gotham Racing, Halo: ODST, Shadowrun, and Rise of Legends. This experience led him to Bally’s Technologies, where he worked on creating immersive interactive experiences for slot machine video games, further expanding his expertise in the gaming industry.

Seeking new challenges, Chris joined Getty Images, revolutionizing the platform by refactoring its core infrastructure and building its first ReST API. Following this, he played a pivotal role at Jack Henry and Associates (JHA), leading the development of innovative IVR systems for banks. His passion for space technology led him to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL), where he worked on the Mars Rover Lander, showcasing his diverse technological prowess.

In the healthcare domain, Chris co-founded HealthBloks, an innovative patient portal that empowers patients to manage their healthcare data. He subsequently joined BALANCED Media|Technology in 2016, swiftly climbing the ranks from Lead Gameplay Programmer to Interactive Media Director, a position he has held since the start of 2023.

Throughout his career, Chris’s broad range of expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills have led him to the forefront of technological innovation. His commitment to pushing boundaries and creating impactful solutions remains his driving force, and he continues to be a dynamic force within BALANCED Media|Technology.