Meet The Editorial Board: Kristi Huber

Written by: Brady Drake

United Way of Cass-Clay
President and CEO

Kristi Huber has served in the role of President & CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay since May of 2016. During her tenure, United Way has developed valuable collaborations focused on meeting workforce needs by connecting individuals with supportive skills training and creating awareness and action around the importance of quality, affordable childcare as a dual-generational strategy.

Kristi’s career includes a wide range of both for profit and non-profit management experience. She has lived in the Fargo-Moorhead community since 2002 and is deeply committed to working with business and nonprofit leaders and connecting people to create the biggest measurable impact for the community. She is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota and earned her MBA from the University of Mary, Bismarck, North Dakota.

Prior to her role as President and CEO, Kristi served as the Resource Development Director for United Way and also as a volunteer for the campaign. She is passionate about the Fargo-Moorhead community, the state of North Dakota, volunteering and connecting people in ways that will enhance their quality of life and help them reach their dreams.


Awards

2018 Top 25 Women In Business, Prairie Business Magazine

What is your favorite thing about your professional life?

I am fortunate that I have an opportunity to work with so many people that inspire me and give me an invaluable perspective on community needs and issues. This list includes volunteers, business leaders, nonprofit partners and the team I get to work with every day at United Way. They are a creative and driven group of individuals who want to solve social issues and create a better tomorrow for everyone in our community. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of this mission.

Three unique facts about yourself

  1. I was raised on a grain farm in rural Minnesota and I credit my work ethic to where I grew up.
  2. After graduating from Concordia College, my first job was working for John Deere, in their Minneapolis branch.
  3. My husband and I are avid University of North Dakota and NHL hockey fans. We have a bucket list to see all of the NHL arenas across the United States and Canada and have been to 18 of the 31 arenas.

What are some of your favorite things about the Fargo- Moorhead area?

I’m inspired by the people in our community. We are so fortunate to have a community that cares and is incredibly generous with their time, talent and resources. I’m grateful for the unique and diverse industries that have deep roots in our region with the arts, education, agriculture, technology and healthcare represented.

What are some things you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my husband, Gregg and our dog Tazer. I am always grateful for time with my friends. I’ve been known to binge watch a Netflix series or two over a weekend. I also always look forward to working out with friends at OrangeTheory Fitness.

What are three books or podcasts you recommend people check out?

Dan Heath’s new book, Upstream is a game-changer. Our United Way continues to look at how we can solve issues before they happen and this is a fantastic read for business leaders who like to work smarter, not harder.

Jeremy Heiman and Henry Timms’ book New Power is a great read for leaders looking to navigate the challenges of a multi- generational workforce to create real change.

Simon Sinek’s book, The Infinite Gameis timely as the rules for business continue to evolve, having an infinite mindset is crucial. This book provides a powerful perspective for leaders looking to most effectively allocate resources and make important decisions on which strategic initiatives to pursue in order to stay competitive.

If you could change or impact one thing in our business community, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about our business community it would be that local business leaders would amplify the importance of quality affordable child care and advocate for it as a key workforce issue.

The struggle for parents to balance careers and caregiving was a huge issue even before the pandemic. After spending months at home, navigating deadlines, virtual meetings and conference calls with their children in the same room, the value of quality care is at an all-time high. This is especially true for families navigating a path out of poverty.

Child care is influential in parents’ career decisions, while at the same time, also helps shape tomorrow’s workers when they are toddlers starting to learn. Business leaders who recognize this need and help to support community-wide solutions will be heroes.

Why work with Fargo INC?

I enjoy working with the Fargo INC team because they are driven to reflect the bright spots across our region’s business sector. They are creative problem-solvers and genuinely want to support our community in a way that helps it grow. They are true partners for their clients and work hard to tell their stories in ways that inspire.

What are three business tips you can give?

  1. Download the Blinkist app. As an avid reader this app gives me access to high-powered summaries and insights of thousands of books that take 15 minutes or less to read. This app has helped me focus on and prioritize the books I am currently reading.
  2. Stay connected to community needs by intentionally reaching out to local non-profit leaders. We want to hear from you!
  3. Set a goal each week to meet one new person from our community and have a virtual meeting or coffee with them. Focus on someone that may not be in your normal sphere of connections. It’s easier than it sounds – volunteering is great place to start! You just have to make the effort. In one year you will make 52 new connections and exponentially expand your network and perspectives of the community!
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Brady is the Editorial Director at Spotlight Media in Fargo, ND.