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New boss at chamber settling into her role
Friday August 1 2008
By Lori Sherman, Staff Writer
 
Get out of town — literally.
That was Lucy Kristan’s response when she learned she was poised to be the next executive director at the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce.
She and her husband, Derek, decided to take a trip to France.
“We figured let’s take a holiday because we won’t be having one again for a long, long time,” Kristan chuckled.
Kristan, 40, took over the director reigns July 21 from retiring Waldo Henderson, who previously served in the position for over a decade.
“It’s exciting, but overwhelming,” she said.
“People are very used to his style, his mannerisms. It’s always difficult to take over where someone who is so immersed in the community has left off.”
But Kristan is excited by the challenge and believes her years of business practice will give her the edge she needs.
Kristan has over 25 years of manufacturing business experience. She helped run her family woodworking business in Toronto.
Her father retired in 2006. Kristan could have taken over, but felt she was ready for a new challenge, and so, the company was sold.
“I don’t want to use the word happy to describe letting it go, but I felt it was the right decision to make and I don’t have any regrets.”
Kristan, who was born in Toronto, has been a resident of Caledon East for the past 30 years.
She served as an area city councillor in Caledon for two terms in the early 90s.
“I think my business experience combined with my political experience gives me an appreciation as to what’s going on out there. I’ve been through up cycles. I’ve been through down cycles. I come from the same business environment.”
Kristan says this helps her relate to business owners and community members alike and is what prompted her to apply for the position.
Kristan attended Sheridan College and graduated from the business administration department with a major in accounting.
She hasn’t yet set out immediate goals for her new position, but is looking forward to being part of the board’s 100th year anniversary.
“The strategic plan is due out within the month and that will give me an idea of the direction they want to take. For me, it’s about supporting those decisions.”
When not in the office, she enjoys spending time at home in her garden.
“I like the flowers that don’t require a lot of tender loving care,” joked Kristen, referring to her busy schedule.
She also enjoys photography, particularly shots of architecture.
“I like the idea of progression in architecture — always getting better, always learning. There’s always new techniques and room to grow.”
According to Kristan these are the same techniques that will help her succeed in her new position as executive director.