Remembering Cheslie Kryst
AFSA was saddened to learn of the passing of Cheslie Kryst on January 30th. Ms. Kryst was an important voice on diversity, equity and inclusion, and her voice and leadership were an extension of her remarkable life story and her career.
Ms. Kryst served as the Diversity Advisor with Poyner Spruill, was the 2019 Miss USA, a correspondent for the TV show, EXTRA, and was an inspiring public speaker. Last year, AFSA members heard her as both a keynote speaker and panelist on DE&I initiatives and polices in the consumer credit industry at AFSA’s 2021 Vehicle Finance Conference. Her expertise and passion for this important topic were clear. Her law firm, Poyner Spruill, released a statement:
Poyner Spruill is deeply saddened by the loss of an incredibly valuable member of our law firm community. Cheslie Kryst was a light that radiated every room she entered. She was a passionate advocate both in and out of the courtroom. She deeply cared about people and everyone who worked with her was better for it. She was such an inspiration to us all, and we were proud to call her a colleague and friend. We will miss her leadership, her smile, and her laughter. Our prayers go out to her family, friends, and everyone who feels her loss.
February 7th, 2022
