We’d like you to meet our new Executive Director, Cristin Kampsnider.

You probably already know Cristin Kampsnider as the host of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast. But you may not know that she's also a proud Marine and former combat correspondent who has spent more than twelve years serving the Foundation.

Cristin began her tenure as Gary's Executive Assistant, spending seven years working closely by his side. She later advanced into leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, where she led a complete overhaul of the GSF brand and its digital presence.

This month, Gary proudly announced that Cristin would be taking on her most significant role yet as the Foundation's next Executive Director. But for Gary, her qualifications only tell part of the story.

“Most importantly, Cristin understands where the foundation came from and what's behind all that we do,” Gary explained. “I have great faith in her leadership and am excited and confident about the future of the Gary Sinise Foundation.”

“I Always Felt In My Bones That I Would Serve” 

Service has been part of Cristin’s life since childhood. She grew up on Air Force bases, the daughter of a 22-year Air Force veteran who continued his service as a 911 dispatcher, sheriff, and police officer. Her brother recently retired after 20 years in the Air Force, and her husband is also a Marine Corps combat veteran.

Like Gary, September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in Cristin's life. Watching the heroes at Ground Zero and the men and women deploying overseas gave her a new understanding of sacrifice. What had always been part of her family's life became a calling of her own.

“I felt in my bones that I would serve. And I was determined to serve during wartime,” she remembered. “I wanted to help ensure what happened on 9/11 would never happen again. I wanted to keep my loved ones safe by keeping my country safe.”

She Knew What She Had To Do 

Cristin answered the call by joining the United States Marine Corps, where she served as a combat correspondent. She was later selected for rigorous training as a crew chief. Her military service took her around the world, from Japan to deployments in Korea and Thailand, and missions in the Philippines.

“I’m incredibly proud of earning the title of Marine,” Cristin said. “I learned so much from my time in service and carry those lessons with me to this day.”

Serving By Gary’s Side 

After graduating from Belmont University, Cristin wasn't quite sure what to expect when she came to work for Gary. But she soon discovered what made his mission so personal.

“Gary sees the person behind the uniform, behind the title. And when he's with you, he gives you his complete attention. You feel like time stops,” Cristin recalled. “It's his superpower.”

Cristin made it her mission to support Gary’s mission to serve as many heroes and families as possible, giving them the opportunity to experience that same personal connection.

“I soon realized, this is not just a job for me anymore. I am part of something that is a force of good in this world.”

The Mission Ahead 

Cristin knows what it means to serve her country. And through her work with Gary, she knows what it means to honor those who do. Both experiences have shaped the conviction she'll bring to her new role.

“Gary wants every hero to know they're appreciated, not just when they're needed, but all the time. These people are willing to run toward danger and put their lives on the line for others. That's true heroism. And it deserves to be recognized.”

For Gary, her appointment carries a deeply personal significance.

“It has been a great comfort to watch Cristin grow into the great leader she has become and the person I can trust to help carry my life’s work forward,” Gary said proudly. “She understands what it takes to watch over the mission, she understands me, and is best prepared to help lead the Foundation into its next chapter.”

→ To hear more of Cristin's story in her own words, listen to Gary's conversation with her on the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast.