Christopher Woodruff is a visionary real estate developer, entrepreneur, and civic leader dedicated to transforming communities through strategic investment, placemaking, and service. With over 25 years of experience in real estate—spanning development, construction, investment, and property management—Chris has led projects totaling over $190 million in real estate investments, revitalizing Columbus, Georgia’s urban landscape.

As Founder and CEO of The Cotton Companies, Chris has spearheaded transformative developments that preserve history while fostering economic growth. His adaptive reuse and urban infill projects, such as Highside Market(2023) and Midcity Yards (2021), have repurposed underutilized spaces into vibrant destinations for business, culture, and community engagement.

He is CEO and President of Woodruff Brokerage Company, a respected Columbus-based real estate firm. While his tenure as owner is recent, his longstanding impact on the regional real estate market has been felt through his leadership, vision, and commitment to sustainable development.  Backed by a team with over 100 years of combined expertise, Woodruff Brokerage Company delivers practical solutions and builds strong client and investor ties.

Chris is the co-founder of Turnwood Investments with Clark Turner.  The boutique investment firm supports the growth of local businesses and franchises in the Columbus area and beyond. The firm invests in companies with expansion potential, helping them scale while staying rooted locally, reflecting the firm’s interest in community-driven ventures. 

Beyond his professional success, Chris is a dedicated civic leader and philanthropist, serving as Chairman of The J.W. & Ethel Woodruff Foundation and on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of the Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus State University Foundation, Historic Columbus Foundation, and Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation. His contributions have earned him widespread recognition, including Georgia Trend Magazine’s “Georgia 500 – Most Influential Leaders” (2023), Georgia Trend Top 40 Under 40 (2014), and the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year (2017).

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado-Boulder, a Master’s in Real Estate Development from Auburn University, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Clemson University. He is a licensed Georgia Real Estate Salesperson and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).