From shaping national health policy to running a food company that brings communities together through Filipino cuisine, Christopher Silayan DeVore ’14 is a testament to the versatility of a public health degree. With a passion for legislative advocacy and a deep commitment to cultural connection, DeVore has built a career that integrates policy, public service, and entrepreneurship.
DeVore grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland, in a household deeply connected to food and service. With parents who were both chefs, he spent much of his childhood at their restaurant, learning firsthand the hard work behind hospitality. DeVore also understood early on the value of education as a path toward opportunity. His mother’s journey inspired him to break new ground within his family by earning a bachelor's of science in Behavioral and Community Health.
DeVore chose UMD for both practical and impactful reasons. “UMD has an excellent reputation as a public university, and in-state tuition made it a smart financial decision,” he says. Initially considering medicine, DeVore discovered his passion for public health and policy through interships, merging his interests in healthcare and government.
Path to Policy
Since his student days at UMD, he has become a formidable force in legislative affairs, shaping policies that impact millions of Americans. As Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs at the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), DeVore advocates for nonprofit community health organizations, pushing for policies that ensure equitable healthcare access. As interim chief of staff and legislative director for Congresswoman Alma Adams, he helped secure $1.2 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the CHIPS and Science Act and led the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, which was signed into law by President Biden. Through his work, DeVore demonstrates time and again that effective policy-making is rooted in collaboration, negotiation, and a relentless commitment to public good.
The biggest lesson DeVore learned in his career is the importance of persistence. “In policy-making, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about playing the long game, understanding the nuances, and knowing when to push forward and when to listen.” This ability to bridge the technical aspects of public health with the art of negotiation and policymaking has made him a key player in advancing meaningful legislative action.
His biggest takeaway for aspiring health advocates? Relationships matter. “Policy is all about storytelling. It’s about making sure that members of Congress and policymakers understand how their decisions impact people in their districts,” DeVore says.
“We provide them with data, but the stories behind that data are what drive change.”
From Policy to the Kitchen
Outside of legislative affairs, DeVore is the co-owner of Matet’s Kitchen, a Filipino food brand that celebrates the authentic and rich flavors of his heritage. Alongside his sister and business partner Marcia, the business gave him a firsthand understanding of the food industry’s regulatory landscape. But at the root, Matet’s Kitchen is about family, culture, storytelling and community building.
By sharing traditional Filipino dishes with households across Washington, D.C., he brings people together and fosters a deeper understanding of Filipino culture through cuisine. “Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a connection to our roots, a bridge between generations, and a tool for building community,” he says. Matet’s Kitchen has become a symbol of cultural pride – a space where flavors spark conversations and every dish preserves Filipino traditions.
I didn’t get to where I am at in my career by myself. The people who came before me helped guide my journey, and now it’s my turn to do the same!
“Take those small risks”
DeVore remains deeply involved with the UMD community, serving as the Vice President on the SPH Alumni Network Board and mentoring students.
For students interested in public health policy, DeVore encourages them to take advantage of UMD’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, MD, and to ask for mentorship. He also reminds students that there’s no single path to success. “Don’t compare your journey to others. Whether you go straight to grad school, enter the workforce, or pivot careers—it’s all relative and valid.”
His parting advice to current students? “Put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Go to that networking event, introduce yourself to someone new, and take those small risks. You never know what doors might open.”
-- Stuti Mohanty