Kristen Smith Eshaya (Communications Director & Risk Management Specialist, JV Smith Companies) has worked for JV Smith Companies in Yuma, AZ, as Communications Director and Risk Management Specialist since October 2017. She has optimized insurance programs for the entire JV Smith Family of companies spanning four states and two countries. Kristen has facilitated leadership development training and maintained open lines of communication between each company utilizing various techniques including intensive training from The Arbinger Institute. She initially started with JV in 2007 as Accounts Payable Manager for their Skyview Cooling operation, spending over two years in that role. Kristen also had a career in regional non-profit theatre between her two stints with JV Smith. Between The Alley Theatre in Houston and The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, she worked in finance, education, development, and as a grant writer from 2010-2017.

Kristen holds a BA in Economics from The Colorado College in Colorado Springs. She also holds a master’s in education concentrating on Human Relations from Northern Arizona University and is currently obtaining a master’s in accounting from The University of Arizona. She also serves on the boards of Center for Growing Talent by PMA and The Children’s Museum of Yuma County.

Kristen is one of nine individuals selected to be in Class 6 of the Future Volunteer Leaders, a program that guides the next generation of leaders within Western Growers member companies interested in becoming more informed and effective advocates for the fresh produce industry.

Journey with Kristen as she shares some of her most favorite interests.