Financial Fitness: Live Today and Prepare for Tomorrow

Captain Christopher J. Gandia (Retired) is a senior research associate with the Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR). As a member of IIR’s Law Enforcement Safety and Wellness group, he provides subject-matter expertise and facilitates trainings for the VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program. Captain Gandia retired from the Londonderry, New Hampshire, Police Department (LPD) in 2022 as the division commander for the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. His career has encompassed more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and more than 29 years of financial experience. Interwoven career paths of finance and law enforcement created unique opportunities and experiences for him. Captain Gandia began his law enforcement career in 1996 as patrol officer with the LPD. He also served as a sergeant and lieutenant. His career has included various tasks such as fiscal management, budgetary planning, internal auditing, organizational development, strategic planning, departmental training programs, and personnel leadership initiatives. In addition, from 1999 to 2014, he served on the Southern New Hampshire Regional SWAT Team. He was a lead instructor for the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition. Captain Gandia earned a bachelor of science degree in accountancy from Providence College, a certificate in financial planning from Merrimack College, and his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation in 2003.