As I evaluate and communicate new information for many hours daily, some of which is not good, I know how important a positive attitude is for all of us during this challenging time.  I choose to keep my head right and know that God is in control of this situation.  Please join me with a positive attitude and as I “tell you something good”, please also forward some positivity to another person today.

Let me introduce you to our talented team with the City of Southaven who helps me and serves our citizens in a tremendous way daily.

Today’s introduction is Kristi Faulkner, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, who started her career with the City of Southaven on May 6, 2002.  She served as a Receptionist at City Hall until October, 2002 when she was promoted to Public Services Manager, a position she held until being promoted to her current position in March, 2007.  Prior to working with the City, she worked in the banking and transportation industries from December, 1985-May, 2002.  Kristi’s current responsibilities are extremely broad.  She manages an incredible volume of calls and calendar requests to the Mayor’s Office daily; media press releases; scheduling and compiling Board Meeting Agendas; assisting the Board of Aldermen, in general; communications, in general, from the Mayor’s Office; and countless other general supervisory and public relations tasks.   In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she also handles the monumental task for the City each year as the Director of Springfest, one of the City’s most-beloved traditions that has grown tremendously under her leadership over many years.

Kristi attended the Baptist Hospital School of Radiologic Technology in 1984-1985 and is a 1984 graduate of Southaven High School.

When asked “Why I do what I do?” Kristi, who was once named “Woman of the Year” by the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, responded, “I love my job!  It’s an honor to work for the Mayor, helping and serving people.  I grew up in Southaven and know so many people here.  It’s always nice to speak to those I have known forever and just as nice meeting new people!  I also have the pleasure of working closely with the Board of Aldermen and our Department Heads.  It’s just a blessing to work and make a difference when I can.  Feels good, that’s why I do what I do!  I’m grateful!”

Kristi has been married to Steve Faulkner for 32 ½ years.  Together, they have two daughters, Hannah and Emma; son-in-law, Lee; future son-in-law, Garrett; and three granddaughters, Avalyn, Lyla Ruth, and Braylee.   When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her granddaughters as well as all of her family, cooking, and going to the beach.

When I was elected Mayor in 2013, I fielded many calls about who I was bringing with me to be my Assistant, to which I simply responded, “She’s already there”.   Kristi’s skill-set is immeasurable, but what I appreciate the most about her is her ability to solve problems and tie-up every loose end.  When she gets the “green light”, you can just get out of her way and count it as “done”.  Her work ethic is unparalleled and the City is incredibly fortunate to have her serving our citizens.  #tellmesomethinggood