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Kristi Putnam has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Kristi'smost recent position is as a Secretary at the Arkansas Department of Human Services since January 2023. Prior to this, they worked at AppHarvest as a Chief People Officer from July 2022 onwards. Kristi also held the role of Chief of Staff to the CEO & President from July 2021 to August 2022, and Director for State and Local Government Affairs from April 2021 to August 2021 at AppHarvest. Before joining AppHarvest, they served as a Special Advisor at the Kentucky House of Representatives from January 2020 to March 2021. Kristi also has experience as a Partner and Senior Policy Consultant at Connecting the Dots Policy Solutions, LLC from January 2020 to March 2021. Kristi has held leadership positions in the government sector as well, including Deputy Secretary at the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services from May 2018 to December 2019, and Program Manager at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services from February 2017 to May 2018. In addition, they have worked as an Executive Advisor at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community-Based Services from March 2016 to January 2017. Kristi has previous experience in child welfare services at the Florida Department of Children and Families, where they held various roles including Chief of Community Based Care from July 2013 to July 2015 and Statewide Foster Care Licensing Specialist from September 2012 to July 2013. Kristi began their professional career as an Elementary Teacher at Leon County Schools from July 2011 to September 2012 and as a Marketing & Proposal Coordinator and Education Consultant at MGT of America from 2010 to 2011. With their extensive background in both the public and private sectors, Kristi brings a wealth of experience in policy, government affairs, consulting, and education to their current role.

Kristi Putnam completed their high school education at DeLand High School from 1986 to 1989, earning a high school diploma. Kristi then attended Florida State University from 1989 to 1993, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in English/Social Work. Additionally, Kristi earned a Child Welfare Certification in Child Welfare/Social Work from Florida State University at an unspecified time. More recently, from 2016 to 2021, Kristi pursued a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. Kristi is currently working towards another Master's of Science degree in Psychology with a focus on Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the same institution.