Meet the Team - Kristina Birdsong
When we talk about the Andy values - spirited, rooted, nurturing - it is hard to think of a person who is more well-rounded in these than Kristina. Her depth of experience, kind approach to leading and diverse skillset are why Andy has gotten to where it is today. She is definitely more than the sum of her parts. (Does that even make sense in this context?)
Kristina Birdsong, Andy General Manager
What is your name?
Kristina Birdsong
Andy: That is a fun last name. Do you feel compelled to whistle? And also, according to House of Names, there are ~4,974 people with that last name in the US. That is like .000015% of the population.
What is your nickname?
I’m not much of a nickname person, my name is usually shortened to just K or KB
Andy: We asssumed that you didn't like it when we called you "K-Diggity" based on the lack of acknowledgment and unreturned emails. Now we know why. KB it is, K?
How long have you been at Andy by Anderson Hay?
Almost 2 years
Andy: These have been the bestest 2 years, except for that one day when Molly was sick and the other time when MacKenna ran out of pens, but other than that. Truly, the best.
What is it you say you do here?
Whatever needs to get done! I try to make sure everything is running smoothly and jump in wherever I can, from our packaging design to website updates and inventory management to search engine optimization. I absolutely love the excitement and challenge of working for a startup -- no two days are the same!
Andy: For real. You are like a plumber, electrician, tape-measure holder, and architect all in one. We're not sure why we chose construction as the metaphor for what you do, but wowee, are we thankful for your you-ness.
What has been your favorite Andy moment so far?
I went to WSU to meet with our veterinarian consultant and got to tour the bear center. I was able to touch a grizzly bear, it was pretty wild! How many people get to pet a grizzly bear and live to tell the tale?!
Andy: 9 people. That's a complete guess, but since you are the only person, we know that has done this, we change our answer to 1. Still, what a cool experience. Also, this completely changes our working theory that if you a touch a grizzly bear it will transport you to another realm filled with candy corn and pop rocks.
What is one thing your friends say about you that is not true?
Probably that I’m an organized person and have everything together, when some days it feels like barely controlled chaos!
Andy: Well, if the incredibly organized folder structures and well-designed spreadsheets are an indication of you NOT being organized, we are a little scared what an organized KB would look like. Also, barely controlled chaos is kinda our jam.
What is your Andy focused spirit animal? Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Gerbil, Chinchilla, Hamster? Why?
Are we talking about any hay eating creature? Can I say a tortoise? I just love them, they impart a sense of wisdom, longevity and worldliness. And there’s always a feeling of calm and peace. Slow and steady wins the race!
Andy: Ah yes, the beloved tortoise. The owl of the sea. So wise and helpful. Like that time when we met Crush and he helped us ride the East Australian current to find our little lost clown fish. Oh, wait, that wasn't us. But we get it. The tortoise is a strong choice.
What wishes do you have for small pets around the world?
A loving home, lots of snuggles and good food.
Andy: We had to read this twice. We though you wrote "snuggies". And we were like, "alright, snuggies for bunnies, we're into it."