The first woman to lead the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce as president is a proud Woods alumna. Kristin Craig, a 2016 graduate of the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Master of Leadership Development (MLD) program and 2003 graduate of the campus journalism program, made history in the Terre Haute area and the 106-year-old chamber when she assumed her new position on July 1.
A native of Argenta, Illinois, Craig has worked for the chamber since 2002. She serves on the board of several organizations, including Art Spaces Inc., United Way of the Wabash Valley, Terre Haute Young Leaders, Wabash Valley Leadership Institute and Rediscover Clinton. She lives in Clinton with her husband, Scott, and three daughters.
The following is a Q & A with Craig about her new position and her Woods journey:
What are your thoughts/feelings as you move into your new position?
Excitement. Energy. Gratitude. There is nothing quite like a new start and the excitement and energy it brings. That is also what makes the Chamber a special place to work, no day is ever boring, there is always something new and exciting happening. And I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to our board of directors for having faith in me and allowing me this opportunity. It is going to be full of challenges, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!
What are your thoughts/feelings about becoming the first woman Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce president?
It is a great honor, especially right now with so many other amazing women in leadership positions throughout our community. As the mother of three daughters, this is especially important for me to show them that as a woman, you can be in leadership positions.
What is your vision and what are your priorities for the Chamber?
The Chamber holds a critical role in the community. We’ve been around for 106 years with the same basic mission: supporting the business community. My vision is to continue to grow this role and improve our ability to advocate for business growth and development. It doesn’t matter if you are a start-up or one-person operation or a manufacturing company with over 1,000 employees. My goal is to ensure the Chamber is supporting your business and growing our community.
How did your time at SMWC, particularly in the Master of Leadership Development program, prepare you for this role?
I’ve had several turning points on the SMWC campus. When I first arrived on campus in 1999 to start my undergrad courses, I remember feeling a sense of calm and ability to focus. This was one of the first times I had been able to fully concentrate on my studies and coursework and it was empowering. Then, years later, I had the same experience with the MLD program. I was able to find that inner focus again and dive into the coursework. Learning has always been a way for me to find inner strength and I am grateful that The Woods has afforded me so many opportunities.
You’ve previously mentioned that your MLD experience was an important step in your journey. Why was it important?
Going through the MLD program was really a turning point for me. I had always considered myself a leader and knew that is the type of position I wanted to hold, but the coursework and experience from the MLD program gave me the tools to make that happen. More than anything else, it was an empowering experience. I learned so much from not just my work and instructors, but also my fellow students. I met some amazing people who are doing amazing things and was inspired by their stories and drive.
What did you gain from MLD you believe you have been able to use in your career?
That you can never stop learning. It is so important to continue to question things, look at issues from different perspectives and deepen your understanding of the world around you. Complacency is really one of the worst things you can do to yourself. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, but always, always push yourself to be better and do better.
What’s your advice to emerging leaders?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You know that old adage, “They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you?” That is something I think about often. Everyone, no matter what type of position or office they hold, is just another human being trying to figure it out along the way. Don’t be overwhelmed, just break it down into manageable pieces and attack. Sure, you might make a wrong decision along the way, but again, have confidence in yourself and your abilities to keep moving in the right direction.