Chandler Keys grew up on a family farm in Maryland. In addition to helping his family raise purebred Angus cattle and grow various grain crops, he was active in 4-H and other agriculture clubs. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Chandler held an entry level position with National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). Over the next two decades, Chandler stayed with NCBA and moved up within the organization. He became the Vice President for Government and Industry Relations where he led the 20+ staff in the Washington DC office. Chandler then took his leadership to Swift & Company, later JBS, until he began Keys Group in 2012. Chandler and his family live in Maryland.