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Christopher Toppin ’17 plays a pivotal role at , a company that provides IT services and cybersecurity solutions to businesses across New England. He recently stepped into the role of Chief Service Officer, where he oversees teams responsible for technical support, system administration, and client IT management. Christopher’s excitement about the possibilities of technology has been key to his successful career. He also finds mentoring others and encouraging their professional development to be the best part of his work. But his fascination with technology was ignited much earlier in his life. 

“It was Christmas Eve in 1987, and I looked under the tree to see that I’d received a Tandy 1000 home computer! I was in third grade and beyond excited. I was on that thing 10-12 hours a day during school break. It sparked my curiosity and an endless enthusiasm.”

Christopher's journey is a testament to how a single moment of inspiration can set the trajectory for a lifelong passion. But his path to this role wasn’t a straight line – it was shaped by a setback, the support of loved ones, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Like many traditional students who step into college without a clear sense of purpose, Christopher’s first attempt at higher education didn’t go as planned. Encouraged by devoted parents, he enrolled in college right after high school. However, Christopher realized that he was not ready. He struggled academically and dropped out after his first year, taking a job in retail.

“I simply wasn’t mature enough. I didn’t know what I wanted long-term and didn’t yet have the vision of my future. Several years later, with more life experience and clearer goals, I returned to college.”

This time, he was determined to succeed and completed his associate degree in computer information systems at NHTI, Concord’s Community College. With a renewed sense of purpose, he graduated and transitioned from his retail job into an entry-level IT role as a helpdesk technician. The role was built upon his customer service skills from retail, coursework, and the Microsoft Certified Professional certificate he earned.

“From my earliest professional experience, I learned that communication and customer service skills are critical. Being able to address customer issues with humility, and in a confident and reassuring way, is what can set you apart in IT.”

The Decision to Finish

After a decade of experience in IT, Christopher realized that if he wanted to move into leadership, he needed to build on his education. He enrolled at Granite State College (now UNH College of Professional Studies), balancing work, marriage, two young children, and classes. 

“I wanted to create opportunities for others who shared my passion for IT, but more importantly, I wanted my kids to see the effort I was putting into bettering myself. I wanted them to see me graduate.” 

Completing his B.S. Information Technology was a game-changer. The leadership courses he took helped him refine his management approach. He recalls being particularly inspired by an assigned book, Good to Great by Jim Collins. Concepts like “Level 5 Leadership” truly resonated with him. Interestingly, years later, in conversations with executives at Mainstay, he discovered that the company embraced the principles outlined in the book. This alignment in values played a key role in Christopher’s transition to leadership. Much like Collins’ “Flywheel Effect” principle, which says that consistent effort and disciplined actions eventually lead to breakthrough results, Christopher was building his capabilities and being rewarded with opportunity. 

“Completing my bachelor’s helped me move from a successful individual contributor to someone who could lead teams and think strategically to support growth and success.” 

Commitment to Family and Growth 

As invested as Christopher is in his professional life, family remains his top priority. Whether playing video games with his youngest son, cosplaying with his oldest son, or hiking and watching movies with his wife Mandy, he values shared experiences and family connectedness. For adult students considering a return to school, he advises taking it one step at a time. 

“Being home with my family most evenings and not missing special moments matters. The online courses offered me flexibility. I remember getting up early on Saturday mornings and just doing as much as I could before our day really got started. It's okay to go at a pace that fits your life.”

Looking Ahead

With a grandfather still working at 92, Christopher sees professional fulfillment as a lifelong journey—one that’s shaped by continuous learning, adaptability, and the relationships he builds along the way. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, finding balance, staying curious, and proving that success isn’t about a perfect start. It’s about the willingness to keep growing.