Recognizing Excellence in Professional Services
Wichita, Kan. — (February 27, 2023) — Christi Woods, CFO at High Touch Technologies, has recently been recognized by the Wichita Business Journal (WBJ) as part of the publication’s 2023 Women Who Lead in Professional Services Services.
The Women Who Lead publication has been a staple in the WBJ since 2019. According to the WBJ, “It is through the Women Who Lead publication that we will recognize women who regularly offer guidance and learning to others, unselfishly. They help others move along their journeys in life both personally and professionally.”
The ongoing publication features women who lead in industries such as health care, marketing, major companies, HR, and financial services.
Women Who Lead In Professional Services Profile: Christi Woods
Christi’s career path has taken many exciting, diverse turns in the worlds of finance and accounting.
In fact, her career journey began on her grandfather’s North Dakota farm when she was just six years old. Christi states, “He taught me how to track the farm’s income and expenses and included me in all the operations. I also learned how to get up early, work hard, and love nature, animals, and the beauty of the land around us.”
After graduating from Oklahoma State University, she started her career at Deloitte, where she gained valuable experience in public accounting. From there, she worked as a controller at a golf course and a university foundation. She then took a leap of faith and co-owned two businesses, where she served as Principal Finance Officer for 12 years.
After the sale of those businesses, she returned to the corporate world and worked as Interim and Division Controller for multiple divisions within a large enterprise.
In 2022, Christi joined High Touch’s Executive team as the calendar was rolling over. “I joined High Touch as CFO, reaching my ultimate career goal, serving a 100% ESOP-owned business, combining my passions for entrepreneurship, finance, and leadership,” states Christi.
“Since she joined the team at High Touch, Christi has proven herself to be a talented leader, a valued partner to our business unit leaders, and a financial champion for the entire organization,” states Derrick Nielsen, President and CEO of High Touch. “The WBJ’s recognition of Christi is well-deserved and a testament to her hard work and dedication.”
Career Mentorship
In the article, Christi points out that besides her grandfather, she’s had the privilege and fortune of being mentored by some fantastic individuals.
“Richard ‘Dick’ Kostboth taught me to ask incredible questions and some math tricks I still use today. Whenever I run into an incredibly complicated tax or organizational question, he’s always my first call,” states Christi. “Also, Jacky Williamson. Whether it is a meaningful book, email, or quick catch-up, Jacky inspires me to be better and unapologetically authentic. She’s instilled in me that progress can’t be made without some frustration—the art is identifying timing and approach rather than just checking off boxes.”
Finding Meaning in the Numbers
For women entering the finance and accounting field, Christi offers a bit of advice in the article, “If you know yourself, allow yourself to make your mistakes and learn, be kind to yourself, and take care of yourself, you can be your best for others and the organizations you serve.”
What Christi enjoys most about her job is how the story of the numbers, strategic planning, and customer service come together to help drive decisions that positively impact High Touch’s customers, employees, business, and community.
Bringing the Human Touch to Technology.
Congratulations, Christi! To learn more about Christi and her role at High Touch, click here to view her Executive team profile.