Her Story
About Cassandra (Cassie)
Cassandra (Cassie) Crist is a licensed CPA in Texas and Illinois, serving as Principal and Employee Benefit Plan Audit Leader with Sikich CPA LLC in Chicago, IL. She brings extensive expertise in employee benefit plan audits, with a career dedicated to protecting the benefits of America’s hardworking individuals. Cassie also held senior roles at Grant Thornton (Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL) and Holtzman Partners (Austin, TX), where she delivered high-quality audit services while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Cassie is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She serves as an executive sponsor for Sikich's Women's Empowerment Circle and is also an active member of the firm's Veteran's & Allies Circle. Her volunteer work extends to serving as her firm's champion for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's, supporting STEM education for girls through her involvement with Girlstart, Inc. and championing programs that benefit the military and veteran community, reflecting her commitment to meaningful social impact and community service. Married for nearly 23 years, Cassie balances her professional life with personal pursuits that inspire and energize her. She enjoys traveling, organizing enriching trips with friends, and exploring her passion for cooking and baking. An enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan, she approaches her personal interests with the same dedication and enthusiasm that define her professional career, exemplifying a holistic approach to leadership, service, and life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cassandra (Cassie)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for the work I do, staying fully present in every opportunity, and actively building meaningful professional relationships. By approaching each task with dedication, engaging thoughtfully with others, and cultivating a strong network, I have been able to grow both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to give yourself grace and make time for self-care. Recognizing your own limits and prioritizing your well-being not only helps maintain balance but also enhances focus, resilience, and long-term success in your career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to give themselves grace as they navigate their careers and to focus on what is most important to them, understanding that these priorities will evolve over time. Embracing patience and self-compassion allows for growth, learning, and the flexibility to adapt as opportunities and goals shift. By staying true to your values while remaining open to change, you can build a fulfilling and resilient career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is working in a remote environment. While remote work offers flexibility and the ability to connect with a wider range of colleagues and clients, it also requires strong self-discipline, effective communication, and the ability to build meaningful relationships without face-to-face interaction. At the same time, it presents the opportunity to leverage digital tools and innovative strategies to enhance productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance, ultimately reshaping how we approach professional growth and teamwork.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are fostering joy and making a meaningful impact through service. I strive to approach my work with a sense of enthusiasm and positivity, finding ways to make tasks engaging and collaborative. Equally, I am committed to volunteering and giving back to my community, recognizing the profound fulfillment that comes from helping others. By balancing enjoyment with purposeful contribution, I aim to create a life and career that are both rewarding and impactful.
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