Show Me Christian County hires CEO

Provided by Show Me Christian County

Kristen Haseltine has 15 years of leadership experience with local nonprofits.

The Show Me Christian County economic development organization hired a new CEO to fill the vacancy left by its first leader, Andrea Sitzes.

Kristen Haseltine starts April 25, according to a news release, following six years in nonprofit work with Children's Smile Center. She’ll succeed Sitzes, who took a job around the start of the year with Arvest Bank.

“I am humbled and honored to serve Christian County and the greater Ozarks region through Show Me Christian County,” Haseltine said in the release. “Bringing together community partners who want to make this the best area to work, live and play for generations to come is an incredible opportunity."

Haseltine has 15 years of local nonprofit leadership experience, and she’s currently serving as director of community relations for Children's Smile Center, according to her LinkedIn profile.

“Kristen has a fantastic history of local nonprofit service and impactful community relationships,” said Sarah Appleby, SMCC board chair, in the release. “The selection committee, staff and board are thrilled to welcome her to SMCC.”

The SMCC board appointed a selection committee to engage in a national executive search facilitated by Missouri-based firm Community Growth Strategies, which works with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce.

SMCC debuted in 2017 to represent the seven municipalities in Christian County in attracting businesses to the region, according to the organization's website. Among its recruitment successes have been sites for Alpine Aviation Group Inc., an electrical airline harness manufacturer for the military, and Creative Audio, an electronics business, according to past reporting.