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Chris Treadaway

Overview​

Chris Treadaway is the Chief Operating Officer of St. Teresa Catholic Church & School in Austin, Texas, where he's pioneering the intersection of Catholic faith and technology innovation. A former Microsoft product manager and serial entrepreneur who founded Polygraph Media (a Facebook Marketing Partner), Chris took a dramatic career pivot to work at St. Teresa after experiencing career frustration and divine calling. He attended the Vatican's Ethical AI Summit (EAIS) in Rome and is now actively building Catholic tech initiatives, including potential incubators and AI education programs.

Professional Background​

Current Role​

  • Chief Operating Officer, St. Teresa Catholic Church & School (Austin, Texas)
    • Manages operations for both parish and school
    • Leading tech innovation initiatives including AI education
    • Building "Tiger team" of volunteer developers from parish community
    • Presented to parish men's group about Vatican tech initiatives
    • Negotiated higher salary than initially offered: "I'll make it worth your while. I promise you. I will run this place like a tight ship."

Previous Experience​

  • Founder & CEO, Polygraph Media: Social advertising and ad-tech company, Facebook Marketing Partner and Google Partner
  • Microsoft: Product and group product management roles in web strategy, developer tools, and web technologies
    • Worked in Developer Marketing Group under Steven Sinofsky era
    • Experienced intense political environment: "proxy wars" between executives
    • Got promoted every year but found culture increasingly toxic
  • Other Ventures:
    • Notice Technologies (co-founder)
    • Third Craft (general partner/operating partner in early-stage investments)
    • Two-time author: "Facebook Marketing: An Hour a Day"

Education​

  • MBA from University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
  • Focus on management and entrepreneurship

Spiritual Journey & Career Pivot​

The Submission Story​

After his company distributed money to shareholders in late 2020, Chris had enough savings to not work immediately. Despite having connections who promised opportunities ("if you're ever looking for something to do, call me"), nothing materialized:

  • Multiple rejections from Amazon, Meta, and other tech giants
  • Told he needed "perfect score as a white male my age to get in" at Amazon
  • Experienced bitterness about reverse discrimination in hiring
  • Eventually gave up on traditional tech path

Divine Intervention:

"The deacon called from St. Teresa and said, Father Larry thinks you're perfect for where we're headed."

Relationship with Father Larry​

  • Father Larry married Chris and his wife, baptized their daughter
  • Described as "really smart, very capable, and a hard ass"
  • Chris has "a ton of respect for him"
  • Negotiated directly with Father Larry for COO role

Vatican Tech Initiative & Vision​

EAIS Conference Impact​

Attended Ethical AI Summit in Rome (November 2025), which was transformational:

  • "I've never been in a situation where so many of the pieces are at hand to go build something big"
  • Didn't sleep for three hours a night, brain "firing off" with ideas
  • Connected with Jill (key Vatican contact) who knows upcoming Vatican tech czar
  • Recognized that of 200 attendees, only about 75 were actual "doers"

Vatican Structural Changes​

  • Pope streamlining Vatican operations
  • All tech initiatives being consolidated under one group
  • One Monsignor will run everything tech-related for Vatican
  • Chris potentially returning to Rome in January for Catholic education reinvention meetings

Current Projects & Vision​

  1. Catholic School AI Initiative

    • Planning AI elective for 7th-8th graders at St. Teresa
    • Concept of microphones in classrooms for AI analysis of student engagement
    • Focus on "Applied AI" education vs theoretical knowledge

  2. Catholic Tech Incubator

    • Vision: "Maybe the first Catholic church has an incubator inside of it"
    • Leveraging St. Teresa's tech-forward parish community
    • Access to funding through Kyle (VC) and Jill (Vatican connections)

  3. Vatican Crypto/Blockchain Strategy (Major development as of Nov 24)

    • Working with Jill to develop comprehensive Vatican blockchain strategy
    • Direct line to Monsignor Ekpo (newly appointed to high Vatican position)
    • Goal: Get Vatican to declare official perspective on crypto/blockchain
    • Focus areas: Bitcoin stance, stable coins potential, authenticity verification via blockchain
    • "Blockchain can be if harnessed properly... the antonym of fake AI"

  4. AI Facilities Management Success

    • Successfully replaced facilities manager with AI system (June 2025)
    • Saved St. Teresa $125k annually
    • Better visibility and control than with human manager
    • Loaded all emails, work orders, contracts into GPT

  5. Gray Line AI Practice

    • Drafting AI consulting practice under Gray Line holding company
    • Access to 50,000-person mailing list of budget authorities
    • Partnership with Brandon and other government-connected consultants

  6. Parent AI Operating System (parentpoint.ai)

    • Domain acquired but project on hold after developer got Meta deal
    • Vision: Automate parenting logistics (school schedules, lunches, sports)

Philosophy & Insights​

On AI and Education​

The Producer Concept:

"AI doesn't need programmers moving forward. It needs the producer. The person in the middle who understands the business requirement and understands the technology."

Data as Foundation:

"AI is data capturing, right? If you don't have the data, you can't function. So my mind is always about, how do I get clean data?"

On Career and Purpose​

  • Has timeline to transition from St. Teresa in ~1.5 years (when daughter graduates)
  • Needs multiple projects: "probably undiagnosed ADHD, so I need a lot of action"
  • Values momentum: "You can't lose the momentum. When there's momentum."

On Competitive Advantage (Moats)​

"Vatican approved is a moat. Like, I look for moats. How do I create a moat or find a moat? That's all I look for anymore."

Personal Background​

  • Family: Married with daughter attending St. Teresa School
  • Interests: Golf, basketball, youth sports coaching
  • Austin Tenure: Living in Austin for ~25 years
  • Personality: Self-described as needing "full calendar" and multiple concurrent projects
  • Community: Deep connections in Austin tech scene including Trilogy alumni network

Key Connections​

  • Father Larry: Pastor at St. Teresa, Chris's spiritual authority
  • Jill: Vatican connection, direct relationship with Monsignor Ekpo
  • Monsignor Ekpo: Newly appointed #4-5 person at Vatican, runs consolidated digital operations
  • Kyle Bajarta: VC with education focus and funding access
  • Brantley: Former Ethereum Name Service leader, helping with Vatican crypto
  • Brandon: DoD Connected, pragmatist with China experience, Gray Line partner
  • Prashant: Former Microsoft colleague, now at Supabase DevRel
  • Joe Liemandt: Trilogy founder (Chris's wife worked at Trilogy in hedonistic 90s era)
  • Adam Jace: Conference attendee, ran hackathon benchmarking, multiple AI project ideas
  • David Miller: Princeton professor/ethicist met in Rome, potential partner for executive coaching
  • Joseph Kopser: Ran for Congress, plugged into government communities

Interaction History​

2026-01-09: Smoothie Shop Catch-up​

Context: Casual in-person meeting at smoothie shop near Gary's new apartment in Austin.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Gary's 2026 focus: AI community (Travis-sponsored), Daily Spirit, consulting for friends
  2. Prenda ESA approval news (came day before)
  3. Chris's first AI teaching class - recorded and fed to curriculum agent
  4. Principal found AI analysis "more effective than classroom visits"
  5. Cultural challenges with AI adoption in schools (parent handbook, faculty resistance)
  6. Vatican blockchain project slow progress (Olympics distracting)
  7. ESA outreach through church networks (Gary connecting with Lt. Governor)
  8. Chris's parenting app (vibe coded in one hour)

Notable Updates:

  • Gary living with Dawson, helping with YouTube consultancy
  • Chris predicted "culture conflict" as major 2026 theme for organizations
  • St. Ignatius mentioned as potential lower-income school for ESA outreach
  • Gary invited Chris to Jan 29th Applied AI event

2025-12-17: In-Person Visit to St. Teresa Catholic School​

Context: Gary visited St. Teresa campus for first in-person meeting; introduced to Principal Brian Wheeler and Pastoral Associate Chase Crouse; campus tour and extended strategic discussion.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Vision for AI-integrated Catholic education pilot program
  2. Gifted and talented programming gap in Catholic schools as business opportunity
  3. Youth-led church revitalization model with student entrepreneurs
  4. Alpha Schools critique - Gary shared insider knowledge of failures
  5. Prenda micro school platform as potential partner
  6. Path to NCA conference presentation in 18 months

Campus Tour Highlights:

  • 22-acre campus with recent improvements (fencing, gym renovation, playground)
  • 360 students growing to 380-400 next year
  • Blue Ribbon school recognition
  • Space constraints being addressed in master plan

Pilot Program Vision:

  • 10-15 gifted 7th-8th graders in year-long entrepreneurial track
  • Students contribute to church/school operations (marketing, CRM, partnerships)
  • Project-based learning with real-world impact
  • August 2025 target launch

Strategic Alignment:

  • Chris feels "immense personal pressure" post-Rome to "take a swing"
  • Recognizes Brian Wheeler as essential education credibility partner
  • Sees all ingredients in place: supportive pastor, forward-thinking principal, tech-forward parents
  • Teaching AI elective in January to gain classroom experience

Chris's Insights:

  • "Education model is no longer teacher at the front of the room preaching for 45 minutes"
  • "I'm really hardcore. Like you are rubber hits the road, working on it in some way or get away"
  • Identified enrichment/GT as immediate business opportunity for Catholic schools nationwide
  • Alpha refused to license enrichment-only; gap exists in market

Notable Quotes:

  • "Guys like you and I can't do this without him [Brian Wheeler]"
  • "Six weeks from Rome, I find I'm under immense personal pressure to do something meaningful big time"
  • "Why not, right? Why not do that?" on leveraging approval chains

Next Steps:

  • Gary to send Prenda research and schedule CEO call
  • Develop pilot proposal for August launch
  • Continue strategic planning conversations

2025-11-24: Video Call about Applied AI Community and Vatican Projects​

Context: Chris showed Gary around St. Teresa campus via video, discussed Applied AI community launch and major Vatican developments.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Gary's Applied AI community charter and Travis Oliphant's sponsorship interest
  2. Chris's successful AI facilities management implementation saving $125k/year
  3. Major Vatican development: Monsignor Ekpo appointed to consolidate all Vatican digital operations
  4. Vatican blockchain/crypto strategy project with direct papal access
  5. Gray Line consulting opportunities and structure
  6. Alignment on "producer" role in Applied AI implementation

Business Opportunities:

  • Chris offered to help Gary with business connections (no referral fee needed)
  • Discussed complementary roles: Gary as technical implementer, partners for executive coaching
  • Gray Line AI practice potential collaboration
  • Vatican crypto strategy involvement opportunity

Technology Insights:

  • Both migrating from ChatGPT to Gemini 3 ("so much better")
  • Blockchain as authenticity verification against AI deepfakes
  • Applied AI requires multidisciplinary expertise: business, tech, people, sociology

Notable Quotes:

  • On Applied AI practitioners: "It takes a really dynamic high IQ but multidisciplinary person to make it fly"
  • On Vatican appointment: "This is very action oriented appointment... He is not screwing around"
  • On blockchain strategy: "There needs to be a purposeful, yes we're going to do this, or no we're not"

2025-11-21: Coffee Shop Conversation about Applied AI and Catholic Tech​

Context: Extended conversation at Austin coffee shop discussing Gary's Applied AI vision and Catholic tech opportunities post-Rome conference.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Gary's realization about becoming "applied AI movement builder" rather than creating foundational models
  2. Chris's transformational experience at Vatican EAIS conference
  3. Potential collaboration on Catholic school AI education initiatives
  4. Discussion of Joe Liemandt's problematic behavior and Alpha Schools' moral compromises
  5. Chris's career pivot story and divine calling to St. Teresa

Collaboration Opportunities Identified:

  • Gary advising on youth-focused AI education programs at St. Teresa
  • Potential AI elective for 7th-8th graders starting January 2025
  • Catholic tech incubator concept at St. Teresa
  • Vatican-approved AI producer certification program

Chris's Offer:

"I'm just going to send you stuff and take it from there... while it incubates. Because I think it's in an incubation phase."

Notable Quotes:

  • On submitting to God's plan: "I'm going to submit completely... It was hard."
  • On Vatican opportunity: "I feel pressure. I feel like a lot of pressure. To go execute."
  • On Gary's vocation: "There's a vocation to helping train people to be more productive employees and employable."

Strategic Value​

  • christofuture-prep: Chris's experience implementing AI education at St. Teresa (7th-8th grade AI elective) and his vision for Catholic school innovation directly aligns with the K-8 microschool launch. His successful pilot programs and Vatican approval provide a tested model for Spirit-filled education with cutting-edge technology integration.
  • christofuture-foundation: With direct Vatican connections (Monsignor Ekpo, consolidated digital operations) and his role developing Catholic tech strategy, Chris represents high-influence Christian leadership advancing kingdom impact through technology. His Vatican-approved initiatives create unique positioning for foundation support.
  • applied-ai-society: His successful AI facilities management implementation (saving $125k annually), Gray Line AI consulting practice, and role as "producer" connecting business requirements with technology make him both a valuable community member and potential partner for Catholic/Christian business AI implementations.
  • daily-spirit: His experience with modern church challenges ("churches have changed a lot" post-COVID) and his mission-driven approach to technology in ministry could inform strategies for reaching disconnected Christians. His understanding of Vatican communications could help amplify daily exhortations to global Catholic audiences.

Previous Collaboration Areas​

  1. St. Teresa AI Education Program

    • Design curriculum for middle school AI elective
    • Focus on "Applied AI" practical skills vs theoretical knowledge
    • Leverage Vatican approval for competitive advantage

  2. Catholic Tech Incubator

    • First Catholic church-based tech incubator
    • Gary as advisor for youth programs
    • Connection to Gary's Civics Unplugged experience

  3. Vatican AI Strategy

    • Producer/Applied AI certification programs
    • Catholic school global AI curriculum
    • Training for church operations optimization

  4. Youth Empowerment Initiative

    • Building on Gary's Dream DAO and Civics Unplugged experience
    • Teaching students to apply AI to improve family, spiritual, and school life
    • Social media strategy: "We are the most innovative K-8s"

Strategic Insights​

Chris's Motivations​

  • Sees "path to this stuff like I've never seen one"
  • Feels divine calling despite career risks
  • Wants to solve real problems: underpaid teachers, overworked staff, struggling parents
  • Timeline-driven: wants new venture in 1.5 years

Competitive Advantages​

  • Vatican approval as moat for Catholic institutions
  • Access to implementation site (St. Teresa)
  • Network spanning tech, finance, and Vatican
  • Proven operator who can execute quickly

Cultural Understanding​

  • Recognizes difference between "doers" and "riders" in Catholic tech space
  • Understands need for momentum and first-mover advantage
  • Appreciates value of imperfect action: "Imperfect, just go"

Notes & Observations​

Personality Traits:

  • High energy, needs multiple concurrent projects ("probably undiagnosed ADHD")
  • Direct communicator, good negotiator
  • Values action over perfection
  • Strong networker but selective ("I don't give out Brandon to many people")
  • Won't burn contacts for referrals: "There's only so many favors you can ask"
  • Prefers relationship building over transactional fees

Spiritual Depth:

  • Genuine submission to divine will despite career sacrifice
  • Sees work as ministry opportunity
  • Balances practical business with faith mission

Business Acumen:

  • Focuses on moats and competitive advantages
  • Understands data as foundation for AI
  • Recognizes importance of distribution over technology
  • Clear timeline and exit strategy thinking

Next Steps​

  • Chris to send materials and stay in loop on initiatives
  • Gary to review St. Teresa AI elective plans
  • Potential attendance at St. Teresa Mass (December 14th suggested)
  • Follow up on incubator concept with Father Larry
  • Explore Vatican-approved certification programs
  • Chris to submit Vatican blockchain strategy outline by 6pm Nov 24
  • Monitor Gray Line AI practice opportunity
  • Gary to build Applied AI case studies for future referrals

Transcripts​

transcript-iddateone-line-summary
2026-01-09-gary-chris-treadaway-ai-community-esa-blockchain2026-01-09Smoothie shop catch-up: Gary's AI community launch, Prenda ESA approval, Chris's AI teaching experiment (principal found AI feedback "more effective than classroom visits"), Vatican blockchain challenges, ESA church outreach strategy
2025-11-21-gary-chris-applied-ai-catholic-tech2025-11-21Applied AI vision discussion and Catholic tech innovation collaboration at Vatican
2025-11-24-chris-treadaway-applied-ai-vatican-blockchain2025-11-24Applied AI community launch planning and Vatican blockchain strategy development
2025-12-17-st-teresa-catholic-school-visit2025-12-17In-person visit to St. Teresa campus discussing AI-integrated Catholic education pilot