Kirstie Boyette (she/her) serves as the Associate Director for the Cooperative Development Foundation where she directs operations related to grantmaking, fundraising, finances, and programs. She manages the application, review, and distribution process of nearly $1 million in annual grantmaking from CDF’s Family of Funds that aim to grow member-owned and controlled businesses, develop authentic local leaders, and strengthen communities. Kirstie began working with the National Home Care Cooperative Initiative in 2019 where she collaborates with dedicated individuals in strengthening home care cooperative development and enhancing wellness with continuing education for member-owners. She also oversees the Cooperative Leaders and Scholars program designed to provide professional development for new and emerging cooperators to deepen knowledge across cooperative sectors.
Kirstie began her cooperative career at NCBA CLUSA where she focused on member events and strategic initiatives support. A graduate of the University of Florida, she holds a BA in Agricultural Economics and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. She is pursuing a graduate diploma in cooperative management from the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University, serves as a board director of CooperationWorks!, and is a member of the Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) planning committee. Kirstie is the 2023 recipient of the William Hlushko Award to Young Cooperative Educators from the Association of Cooperative Educators.