As a proven business builder, Kristi focuses every day on driving and delivering positive change. She believes passionately in the power of entrepreneurs to innovate, create employment, and make our communities better and more prosperous places in which to live and work.

With 20 years of finance and entrepreneurship experience, Kristi knows how to build and grow organizations.

In 2010, Kristi saw an opportunity to bring sophisticated and creative capital to the mid-market in a better way. Under her leadership, First West Capital grew from start-up to a national junior capital firm that funded more than $250 million to 100+ amazing businesses.

Kristi is honoured to have been recognized by EY as the Pacific Region’s 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year in the category of Business Disrupter for this work. Kristi’s other notable awards and recognitions include: BC Business Most Influential Women in Finance (2019); Metro Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Nominee (2019, 2015); and Canadian Venture Capital Association Ted Anderson Award for Community Leadership (2017).

As a proud Canadian and global citizen, Kristi is deeply involved in the community. Her community service includes being a strong advocate for women in business, financial literacy for youth, health and wellness, and social entrepreneurship. In addition to serving on the board of LIFT Impact Partners, Kristi also serves on a number of other corporate and non-profit boards, including Douglas College, Junior Achievement of BC, the Fulmer Foundation and Aisle (formerly Lunapads). She mentors for MaRS Discovery District, and volunteers for the YWCA Metro Vancouver as a fitness instructor.