Congratulations to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Assistant Vice President of Economic Development, Christi Rood Gilchrist, who was named one of Idaho Business Review’s Power List: Most Influential Business Leaders in Idaho 2023.
"I am truly honored to be listed among the top individuals in Idaho who excel in their respective fields, showcasing the very best of our state,” Gilchrist said. “As a representative of CWI, a leading institution in higher education, I am proud to contribute to the educational growth of Idahoans. We strive to empower individuals to achieve economic and social mobility, while also equipping local employers with a highly skilled workforce.”
Idaho Business Review notes Gilchrist’s work helping prepare CWI students for the workforce as a major contribution to a vibrant and healthy economy in the Gem State.
Gilchrist has helped launch the College’s Work-Based Learning Center which connects students to professional opportunities and train them on skills to help land a job. She has helped update the 1,500-student HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing programs to an eight-week model so students in the trades can attend year-round, while working full-time in the industry.
In addition to Gilchrist’s work at the College, she will continue to support the Boise Valley Economic Partnership to ensure prosperity in good times and bad, and create jobs for those who live here and broaden the industry base. She also supports the Workforce Development Council and serves on its policy committee.
Gilchrist joins an esteemed list of influential business leaders across Idaho who have made significant contributions toward making the state an economically prosperous place. According to Idaho Business Review Publisher, Cindy Suffa, those chosen make a difference “at work and in the community year-round by providing leadership, innovation, and a hands-on work ethic.”
“They are the very definition of effecting change in Idaho’s business community, which is made up of so many passionate leaders,” Suffa said. “And passion equals influence.”
Gilchrist's commitment to helping students succeed and her dedication to improving economic growth makes her an invaluable asset not only to CWI but also to all of Idaho. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition!
