Alstom - Continuous Improvement Agent Hometown: Plattsburgh NY, Born in Starksboro, VT Age: 44 Education: BA Business Management, Johnson State
Occasionally, there are people whose contribution to the workplace are subtle, yet impactful. Kristin Darrah works with a quiet confidence and she “gets it done”. Consummate volunteer and activist in everything she does, Kristin is a change-maker!
How do you contribute to the culture of your company? Continuous Improvement Agent is my title. I enjoy bringing people together to find the right solutions to make operations safer, most cost effective, and more efficient. I believe there is always a better way to get something done and I get to support all departments in the process.
What are you doing to make a difference in your community? I was one of the founding board members of the Seton Family Association (PTO) and a Daisy Girl Scout leader. Currently I am part of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club and an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce.
What is the single most important characteristic for success? Ability to go with the flow. Turn and pivot on a dime. And always look for the positive.
What is your biggest professional success? Being asked to come back to Alstom to build trains again.
What important lesson have you learned in your career? People make it happen. Treat them well and listen.
What is your dream job? This is it! I love manufacturing. We build passenger rail cars to move people. I enjoy making change happen and seeing progress.
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken? Leaving Bombardier to try sales.
What is something that no one would guess about you? After college I was a tractor trailer driver delivering products locally in Vermont and upstate New York.
Write a note to your younger self… Your work matters. You are doing great. Don’t undervalue your achievements and take care of yourself so you can keep taking care of others.
What can the North Country do to make this area more appealing to a younger generation? We have so much to offer. Location, jobs, people, activities, community. The Chamber is doing a great job selling our area on social media…not that I participate in that. Who has the time…ha! Focusing on our local schools and getting our kids into our manufacturing facilities to shadow and see the very cool things we are doing right here in Plattsburgh. We have great partnerships with our colleges and placement agencies that support the training in almost any manufacturing field. We’re building programs now. For example, I can help get an interested person into a training program to become a certified welder….at no cost.
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