Celebrating Amanda Kristinat’s Legacy On Flagstaff’s Startup Community
BY SCOTT HATHCOCK, MOONSHOT PRESIDENT & CEO
September 27, 2023
On behalf of the Moonshot organization and NACET community, I am deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear partner and friend, Amanda Kristinat. She wasn't the kind of person who sought the spotlight; she allowed me to be that beacon. Amanda epitomized quiet strength, thriving in a supportive, behind-the-scenes role focusing on finance, grant writing and operations. Over the years, her invaluable contributions benefited organizations such as the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Flagstaff Youth Chorale, Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, and, in her final role, Moonshot. Beyond her work with these nonprofits, Amanda excelled as a consultant, guiding both for-profit and non-profit founders. Her expertise in finance, operations, and being an engaged listener made her a trusted resource for all.
Amanda's influence left an enduring mark on everyone she encountered, from startups like Welcomed Here, Drinking Horn Meadery, Sunshine Rescue Mission, to Karen’s Gluten-Free, and many others.
Personally, I've been fortunate to work alongside Amanda since 2015, but it wasn’t until a few years later that I made one of the best decisions of my career. In 2017, I brought Amanda onboard fulltime as our Chief Financial Officer and Operations Manager. That same year our nonprofit truly found its operations footing and we started expanding on our business model. For the past seven years, she has been my trusted collaborator, sounding board, and emotional equalizer. She wasn't just a colleague; she was my Moonshot “co-founder.” Our individual strengths complemented one another seamlessly. Her serene demeanor balanced my enthusiasm, and her financial acumen ensured our budgets remained on track. Together, we embodied the equilibrium between my visionary aspirations and the mission control of practical execution.
Any recognition or accolades I've received personally for Moonshot, I owe much to Amanda. My gratitude towards her knows no bounds, and I'll always share any triumphs that come our way with my Moonshot co-pilot.
From our Moonshot family, we now feel the void left by a "Golden Girl,” karaoke partner, whiskey connoisseur, and our favorite baker.
It's fitting that Amanda left us in the fall, a season she adored.
As Dodinsky wrote, "I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift."
Amanda, your life was indeed a gift to Moonshot, Flagstaff, and entrepreneurs across the state. Your graceful presence left an indelible mark on our lives, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
On Saturday, October 14th, in honor of Amanda's contributions, Moonshot's Flagstaff campus at NACET will host a "Celebration of Life" from 3:00-5:00 pm, open to the public. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the family’s GoFundMe https://gofund.me/52d621ea
On behalf of the Moonshot organization and NACET community, I am deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear partner and friend, Amanda Kristinat. She wasn't the kind of person who sought the spotlight; she allowed me to be that beacon. Amanda epitomized quiet strength, thriving in a supportive, behind-the-scenes role focusing on finance, grant writing and operations. Over the years, her invaluable contributions benefited organizations such as the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, Flagstaff Youth Chorale, Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, and, in her final role, Moonshot. Beyond her work with these nonprofits, Amanda excelled as a consultant, guiding both for-profit and non-profit founders. Her expertise in finance, operations, and being an engaged listener made her a trusted resource for all.
Amanda's influence left an enduring mark on everyone she encountered, from startups like Welcomed Here, Drinking Horn Meadery, Sunshine Rescue Mission, to Karen’s Gluten-Free, and many others.
Personally, I've been fortunate to work alongside Amanda since 2015, but it wasn’t until a few years later that I made one of the best decisions of my career. In 2017, I brought Amanda onboard fulltime as our Chief Financial Officer and Operations Manager. That same year our nonprofit truly found its operations footing and we started expanding on our business model. For the past seven years, she has been my trusted collaborator, sounding board, and emotional equalizer. She wasn't just a colleague; she was my Moonshot “co-founder.” Our individual strengths complemented one another seamlessly. Her serene demeanor balanced my enthusiasm, and her financial acumen ensured our budgets remained on track. Together, we embodied the equilibrium between my visionary aspirations and the mission control of practical execution.
Any recognition or accolades I've received personally for Moonshot, I owe much to Amanda. My gratitude towards her knows no bounds, and I'll always share any triumphs that come our way with my Moonshot co-pilot.
From our Moonshot family, we now feel the void left by a "Golden Girl,” karaoke partner, whiskey connoisseur, and our favorite baker.
It's fitting that Amanda left us in the fall, a season she adored.
As Dodinsky wrote, "I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift."
Amanda, your life was indeed a gift to Moonshot, Flagstaff, and entrepreneurs across the state. Your graceful presence left an indelible mark on our lives, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
On Saturday, October 14th, in honor of Amanda's contributions, Moonshot's Flagstaff campus at NACET will host a "Celebration of Life" from 3:00-5:00 pm, open to the public. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the family’s GoFundMe https://gofund.me/52d621ea
Scott Hathcock, serves as the President & CEO of Moonshot (www.moonshotaz.com), a 23-year old 501(c)(3) nonprofit (formerly known as NACET). With a particular focus on rural Arizona, the mission of Moonshot is to assist entrepreneurs in building and scaling start-ups as well as developing entrepreneurial ecosystems and workforce development programs that support sector growth.
