Kristyn Smith
What’s your current position?
Chief of Staff since April 2021. As Chief of Staff, I serve as the Advisor to the Commander and Deputy Commander, overseeing seven staff offices and review and direct the administrative actions across eight directorates of the Depot.
What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do? What are you most passionate about?
Everything that I do at the Depot is people-focused. Ensuring our employees and supervisors have the resources, whether it is training, processes, or policy interpretation and implementation, they need to perform their duties and ultimately provide operational readiness to our Armed Forces. Being a part of something that has such a huge impact on our country, keeping men and women in uniform safe and ultimately our freedom is incredibly rewarding every day.
Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?
Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania. I earned by bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wilkes University. I stayed in NEPA after an internship at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce that led me to full time employment opportunity. I have always been passionate about the growth and success of our region. As someone on the receiving end of all the opportunities to network, develop and grow as a professional here in our region, I wanted to stay and encourage others to take advantage of the same opportunities. Ultimately, after six years with the Chamber, I pursued a career at Tobyhanna Army Depot in 2010 and have held many positions here where I have encouraged others to take advantage of all that the Chamber and our community has to offer when it comes to specifically leadership development and networking.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?
Those who influenced me the most were typically those who challenged me the most. Those who never let me settle for average, always work harder and reach further have been the ones that gave me the courage, resilience and grit needed to be successful. Today, it is my two young children that influence me the most. I want them to have a mother they can look up to as a role model of hard work and achievement.
How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna?
I graduated from the Leadership Lackawanna class of 2008 and still today maintain contact with many of my classmates and others that I met through the program. I have served on various committees and the board, which have all been rewarding opportunities to continue to contribute to the organization. I recommend the Leadership Lackawanna program every one I cross paths with, it is such as benefit to our region!
