50 Making a Difference profile: Cristy Callins

 
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Christian Tabak, Oct. 11, 2019

As vice president for CMSWillowbrook Construction Management, Cristy Callins has achieved a surprising amount of success in the male-dominated construction industry. Her success? Fostering and retaining relationships that allow CMSWillowbrook to maintain a reliable clientele base.

“This is my strength to CMSWillowbrook and our clients: My ability to foster and retain relationships is critical. Our largest market sector is education,” Callins said. “As vice president, my role is finding new clients, retaining current clients and helping school districts (and) institutions rebound from and react to various disasters. After the 2013 F5 tornado destroyed Canadian Valley Technology Center, I was instrumental in coordinating with FEMA to rebuild that campus for our client.”

The importance she places on these relationships stems largely from her personal philosophy of letting her inner light shine. Adopted at birth, Callins said her situation growing up inspired her to have a greater sense of purpose and has made her see the significance in relationships, as well as the need to be a light to those who need to be encouraged.

With a degree in interior design from the University of Central Oklahoma and some construction management courses from Oklahoma State University under her belt, Callins’ experience has made her suited for the requirements of being involved with each CMSWillowbrook’s projects across the state.

“I am sure that CMS would continue on and continue to grow without Cris, but we have come to depend on her for all things and she has never let us down,” said Kim Lanier, superintendent of Oakdale Public Schools. “For us, who could replace that?”

A self-described shatterer of glass ceilings, Callins has also used her motivation to not only advance within the construction industry, but also support other women looking to enter nontraditional fields. Working as a mentor within the GirlTECH Program for children in grades 9-12, Callins has supported young women who are looking for a future in careers in the fields of science, engineering, technology and math.

“She is a natural-born leader who easily builds trust with colleagues and clients. Her drive, determination and compassion set her apart from others in her field,” said Karen Wicker, president and CEO of Candor. “She has successfully managed a budding career, bucked traditional roles in the workplace, raised a family and continues to foster hope in her community through her nonprofit work.”

Callins has two sons – Keaton and Kai – and one daughter-in-law, Mallory.

https://journalrecord.com/2019/10/11/50-making-a-difference-profile-cristy-callins/

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