My Name is Chris “Highway” Nussbaumer and I am a Life Member of the Defenders LE/MC. I began my Journey with the Defenders in 2016 when I joined the Tampa Bay Chapter.  Prior to being elected as National Commander in 2025, I was the Treasurer of Tampa Bay (2019-2022) and most recently the President and founding member of the Pensacola Bay DMC 2023-2025.

I have been a law enforcement officer in Florida since 1995, starting my career as a Pensacola Police Officer, then a Santa Rosa County Deputy and lastly retiring as a Sergeant with the Florida Highway Patrol.  The most enjoyable time in my career is serving as an FHP Motor Trooper in Tampa Florida. 

My wife, Marisa “HitGirl”, is an Associate of the DMC and she is the greatest!  We are truly Blessed to have found each other and share our adventures. 

I have always had a passion for riding motorcycles and traveling on two wheels.  I currently ride a 2019 Harley Ultra Limited affectionately known as the Mistress.  Fun Fact: Marisa and I purchased “The Mistress” the day prior to our wedding.  We celebrated as a motorcycle wedding with our friends from Tampa Bay and Colonel Ron “Paladin” Rook officiating.  The guys rode an hour from Tampa to Citrus County getting pelted with May Love Bugs.

I Truly Love this Club and believe deeply in the principles of dedication, camaraderie, and service.  I am honored to be serving as the National Commander.