Kristi began her career at the FOA in 2007 when she was hired as Director of Community Development, and her work in that capacity prepared her well to lead the organization six years later. She was responsible for creating the annual marketing plan, casting the organization’s vision, managing the FOA’s brand, recruiting sponsors and fundraising, overseeing public events, supervising all operations and reporting progress to the board. Kristi led the Foundation of Arts as Executive Director through the 2020-2021 pandemic crisis, never closing in the midst of public pressure but instead finding creative ways to serve the community through the arts with the approval of the government for their safety protocols. The FOA never stopped growing in various ways throughout the crisis.Her previous experience was in academia, where she spent years as a high school teacher, then an instructor at Crowley’s Ridge College—a small Christian liberal arts institution—and at Arkansas State University. Under her leadership, the FOA doubled their volunteers, peaked patronage and financial reserves. In addition, her vision-casting began the myriad event partnerships the FOA participates in, including Oasis Arts and Film Festival, First Fridays at the Forum concert series and Jonesboro’s Public Art Commission. Currently, Kristi is a licensed success coach and consultant. She works with non-profits and businesses to find further success and often helps businesses create or modify their strategic plans. With individuals, she helps executives and teens to create their own success plans through Ktizo Coaching & Consulting, which she founded in 2021.She currently serves on the Arkansas Arts Council Advisory Board, and Executive Council appointed by Governor Hutchinson.She sits on the board of the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance, and now attends First Methodist Church in her hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.Credentials:Kristi holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Theatre from Arkansas State University, and remains an active Red Wolves fan. She is a licensed Creative Success Coach, Enneagram Coach, and Executive Communication Coach, and she is internationally certified in both areas, working with clients from around the world to help them find success. She is also credentialed as Certified Non-Profit Executive (CNE) through NANOE (National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives).Kristi is married to Kevin Pulliam and is the mother of six pretty awesome children ranging in age from 18 to 26.