Her Story
About Krista
Krista Baird serves as Executive Director of a historic Midwest theater in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. With 20 years of involvement at the theater, including time as community engagement manager and prior volunteer and board service, she oversees grant writing, entertainment booking, event planning for weddings and community events, community partnerships, and preservation of the 80-year-old venue. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in the sciences from nursing school, and she recently was accepted to the Business Management Certification Program with NYU Tisch. Baird is an officer in the Panhandle Business Professional Women and serves on several community boards. She attributes her success to the support of her husband and family, along with the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, which drew her to the nonprofit sector. She values integrity and respecting team members' personal lives beyond work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Krista
01What do you attribute your success to?
The support of my amazing husband and family, and the hard work ethic encouraged by my parents from a young age, which drew me to the nonprofit sector.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Not everyone who criticizes you is your enemy, and not everyone who supports you is your friend. Don't worry about the critics; keep doing what you're doing, especially in nonprofit work where there are many critics.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you're passionate about it, then you can make it happen, even though the role involves wearing many different hats and can feel overwhelming.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities include community building and preserving historic spaces like our theater, recently named one of the top 9 most beautiful historic theaters in the country by Architectural Digest. Challenges involve shifting away from reliance on federal and state grants and helping the community see the long-term vision for historic spaces.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity - being true to yourself no matter where you are or who you're with. As a leader, valuing other people's input and respecting that team members have families and personal lives beyond work.
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