Kristi grew up in Frisco, Texas and is an alumni of UT Tyler. She completed her student teaching at Van ISD and currently holds a Texas Educator Certificate. Kristi began her banking career at Southside Bank in 2012 and is currently a Senior Vice President and Retail Market Manager.

One of Kristi’s passions is visiting classrooms in the East Texas area to teach financial literacy and find innovative ways for students to understand finances. Kristi currently serves on the board of directors for Junior Achievement as the Vice Chair and Chairwoman Elect for the upcoming 2020 fiscal year. Additionally, Kristi serves on the Board of Directors for: Junior Achievement of Tyler, Van Baseball and Softball Association and City of Van Parks and Recreation. In addition to board service, Kristi serves on the Tyler ISD Career and Technical Education Advisory Board and Leadership Tyler’s development committee.

While attending college in East Texas, Kristi met her husband of 13 years, Josh Johnston. Josh is a firefighter and EMT for Tyler Fire Department. Josh and Kristi are having fun raising their two young daughters, Maci and Adelynn.