Christopher Howland was born in Rutland, Vermont. He attended Rutland Public Schools, Vermont Technical College, and Northeastern University. He served in the Vermont National Guard. He is one of seven children with paternal heritage back to the Mayflower era. He worked several years for a Boston Engineering firm as a Professional Engineer before returning to Vermont. He retired from Green Mountain Power after its acquisition of Central Vermont Public Service. He is a former Volunteer Ski Patroller and Boy Scout leader, unit thru Council level. He served as Collector of Delinquent taxes and many terms as Justice of the Peace.