Jan 15, 2024
Get to know your 2024 EPIC Toledo Chair: Kristy Cranston!
We’re ready for another EPIC year in 2024 and we and excited to introduce this year’s chair, Kristy Cranston!
Kristy has been involved in EPIC since 2020, serving on the advisory council since 2022. She works for Rehmann as their Director of Client Services and Business Development.
Learn more about Kristy and how she got involved in EPIC Toledo through this highlight blog!
How did you get involved in EPIC Toledo?
I became involved with EPIC through a former colleague from a previous job, Mr. James Raymond Bailey, who also happens to be EPIC Toledo’s 2021 Chair. James encouraged me to engage with EPIC in order to expand my professional and personal connections, and I am extremely grateful that I followed his advice. Through EPIC, I have had the pleasure of meeting remarkable individuals who have become dear friends. This organization has presented me with a number of different opportunities to contribute to our community.
What leadership skills have you learned from being involved in EPIC?
EPIC has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into roles that have helped me expand my leadership skills. Effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to inspire and motivate others are just to name a few. Working with our top up-and-coming community leaders has also helped me develop problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the capacity to make informed decisions while considering diverse perspectives.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment in the last three years?
I have a lot to be grateful for over the past three years. Becoming EPIC’s 2024 Chair is certainly one of them. One accomplishment though that I hold near and dear to my heart is an award I won within my firm called the Jack J. Rehmann award. Jack is our founder at Rehmann. He was passionate and dedicated to community leadership and servantship. Every year an associate gets recognized with this award who has shown a commitment to volunteerism and community involvement. I serve our community, not to get recognized, but because I feel it is a responsibility to serve and help others if you’re able. I did not know this award within my firm existed until I won. Being nominated and winning an award for something I am extremely passionate about, now that’s a great accomplishment!
What brought you to Toledo and what has kept you here?
I am what we like to call a Toledo boomerang! Born and raised, I left for college and did not officially come back until 14 years later. With the opportunity to experience different areas of the country, family ultimately drove me back to my hometown. With that said, I’ve experienced progressive cities across the Midwest and down south and nothing compares to the community and opportunity that NW Ohio provides. I enjoyed every city I lived in prior to moving back but I must say, I’m so happy to be back in the 419!
What is your favorite advice/quote to live by?
Ooo this is a good question! I have a couple:
- Control what you can control. – Great advice for someone who, like me, is very passionate about what they do and sometimes wears her emotions on her sleeve 😊.
- Do the hard stuff first, prepare thoroughly, be willing to risk going big, and take responsibility of ownership. – Great advice that came from a book I read, Ryan Hawk’s The Pursuit of Excellence.
What is your vision for EPIC 2024 – if we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating a great 12 months, what does that look like to you?
An impactful Boss Talk series, a successful non-profit fair (new this year!), significant boost in attendance at our social events, and collaborations with other YP organizations in the area. We have a stellar advisory board this year! I’m looking forward to working along side everyone to make this happen.
