NSF International Senior VP Kristen Holt  received the 2011 ATHENA Award from the Women's Council of Washtenaw County. The annual ATHENA award recognizes individuals demonstrating professional leadership and community excellence

NSF International Senior VP Kristen Holt (right) accepts the Women's Council of Washtenaw County's 2011 ATHENA Award from ATHENA International President and CEO Dianne Dinkel (left) at an award luncheon at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Ypsilanti.

photo courtesy of Women's Council of Washtenaw County

Women's Council officials said that Holt was recognized because, throughout her career, she has helped other professional women realize their leadership and career potential.

The Women's Council of Washtenaw County, a professional women's organization, presents the ATHENA Award each year to an individual who demonstrates professional excellence and initiative, improves the quality of life for others in the community and actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Kristen Holt, who has more than 15 years of experience in the financial and regulatory aspects of the food industry, has held several leading positions and managed major business ventures for NSF International, a not-for-profit, public health and safety organization. Prior to her current appointment, Holt served as NSF's chief financial officer for five years.

Holt is also active in the community, serving on the board of directors for the United Way of Washtenaw County, the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum and the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan council. Additionally, she is a member of Central Michigan University's College of Business Administration Dean's Advisory Board and School of Accounting Advisory Board.

She also is a member of the NSF International Organic Garden Committee, where she focuses on raising awareness about the benefits of organic gardening within her own community, as well as growing and donating organic produce to Food Gatherers, a local food bank that works to alleviate hunger in Washtenaw County, Michigan.

Holt is a licensed CPA in the State of Michigan and holds a MBA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Central Michigan University. Holt is the mother of two daughters, Julia, age 5, and Lucy, age 1.

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