Christa Sandidge

Christa Sandidge is a leader of leaders in her role as the director for the Center of Professional Development and associate professor of Leadership Studies at Northwest Nazarene University.

“The work I do with leaders equips them with the awareness, knowledge and tools to lead well,” she said. “According to my students’ (business leaders) feedback, they emerge from my classes as stronger leaders. Stronger leaders benefit Idaho.”

Sandidge says that one of her biggest professional accomplishments recently was developing and launching an in-house, in-person leadership development program. Last fall, the senior leadership team from the City of Nampa requested to take this in-person leadership development option.

“Their intent was to gain the learning for themselves but also to preview it for the rest of the leaders of the city,” Sandidge explained. “After having the senior leaders go through the program, they chose to have their leadership training for the leaders of the City of Nampa conducted by us. I’m thrilled that they chose us and that we have had over 60 leaders from the city, comprising three different cohorts, engage in our face-to-face leadership development program this year.”

Personally, Sandidge is dedicated to continual learning. In addition to already holding three college degrees, she plans to earn another master’s degree in a new field this year. Professionally, she believes intentionality will be key to ensuring a stronger workforce.

“Intentionally engaging growth and development, intentionally investing in our workforce, intentionally choosing to focus on enhancing capabilities and empowering others are ways that we invest in our future,” she said.