Meet Kristyn
As a graduate of SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Marketing, Kristyn began her career with United Way MV in December 2012 as Director of Development and Marketing, managing the Resource Development and Marketing teams. In 2019, she transitioned to focus more on bringing awareness of United Way MV's impact as the Director of Marketing and Communications, overseeing all marketing and communication efforts and many United Way MV events and volunteer opportunities. Before United Way MV, Kristyn worked on congressional and state assembly campaigns and as an analyst for the Oneida County Board of Legislators.
Kristyn has been involved with non-profit work within the community since 2010. When she returned to the area after college, her first opportunity was with Anita's Stevens-Swan Humane Society. She started as a committee volunteer, helping to plan and promote fundraising events, and now sits on the Board of Directors and is the Governance Committee Chair.
Kristyn is a problem-solver, innovator, and connector. “I've had the opportunity to connect and work with many amazing community members through presentations, collaborations, networking, community events, and creative marketing and communication strategies. My most memorable times here are when I meet community members who share how United Way helped them. It’s such a personal connection when people share their stories about how our work made a difference in their lives. Those are the moments that make me love my job the most. It truly shows how important our work is for our community.”
When asked why she likes to work for United Way, Kristyn says, “Helping others is at the core of who I am, and I get to do that every day. Being a part of a team of people with an undeniable passion for making a difference in thousands of people's lives is empowering. This team is small but mighty, and I am in awe of and inspired by my co-workers daily.”
Kristyn's unique combination of creativity, strategy, and analytical mind helps tell the story of United Way MV's value. Of all the amazing projects Kristyn pours her heart and soul into, her favorite project at United Way MV is putting together the annual impact video. She loves figuring out how to tell the story of those who are helped through the many aspects of United Way MV with informative, compelling visuals. "It is one of my most challenging projects each year, which is why it ends up being my favorite," says Kristyn.
Kristyn’s favorite United Way event was Women United (formerly 100 Women Who Care.) She said this event brought together so much of what she loves in one space: healthy but tasty food, supporting local women-owned businesses, self-care, live music, inspiring stories, and a room full of women making a difference.
Fun Facts About Kristyn
- Kristyn’s favorite tomato pie is from Daniele’s on Mohawk Street, Utica.
- She loves to enjoy nature, has hiked 8 out of 46 high peaks, completed the Fulton Chain Trifecta multiple times, is about halfway through the Fire Tower Challenge, and hopes to take on the Saranac 6ers with her co-worker and friend, Carli.
- Kristyn’s favorite place she has visited is Zion National Park on a honeymoon trip with her husband. She loved the otherworldliness of the contrasting red rock against the blue skies!
- Kristyn planned to be a lawyer for most of her life leading up to college, but in her freshman year, she realized her true passions were in marketing and communications, and she wanted to help people.
- She loves concerts and music festivals and has seen over 100 artists perform live.
Would She Rather?
- She would rather live in a cabin in the woods than on the beach.
- She would rather time travel than freeze time.
- She would rather get around on a flying carpet than a car that can drive underwater.
- She would rather read the book than watch the movie.